WASHINGTON, D.C. (OBV) – A U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey shows that voters favor a free market over government micromanagement of business.
The poll, conducted on behalf of the U.S. Chamber, reveals that 54 percent of voters across the nation are more concerned about government micromanaging private business instead of allowing business owners to decide what is best for their customers, even if those decisions do not jibe with the respondents’ personal views (46 percent).
Breaking down those numbers along political party lines shows that 60 percent of base Republicans and 65 percent of soft-leaning Republicans are most concerned about the government micromanaging private businesses. Of those Republicans surveyed, 40 percent of base GOP and 35 percent of soft-leaning GOP are more concerned about the government allowing businesses to make decisions on what is best for customers and shareholders.
Forty-one percent of base Democrats and 49 percent of soft-leaning Democrats are most concerned about the government micromanaging business. Also, 59 percent of base Democrats and 51 percent of soft-leaning Democrats are concerned about the government allowing businesses to determine what is in the customers best interest.
When it comes to Independents, 55 percent are most concerned about government micromanagement of private business and 45 percent are more concerned about businesses being allowed to decide what is best for customers.
The poll also asked voters to say which of the following three candidates they prefer:
- Candidate A – a candidate who says the state government should not do business with banks IF they also work with certain companies (like gun manufacturers, oil and gas and other such companies) even if it increases costs to taxpayers.
- Candidate B – a candidate who says the state government should not do business with banks UNLESS they also work with certain companies (like gun manufacturers, oil and gas and other such companies) even if it increases costs to taxpayers.
- Candidate C – a candidate who says the state government should not try to tell banks or anyone else who they can and cannot do business with; and that the government should stop trying to micromanage business decisions and focus on getting the best deal for taxpayers.
Results show that 74 percent of polled voters prefer Candidate C, 18 percent prefer Candidate A and 8 percent prefer Candidate B.
Voters from all parties prefer Candidate C, Republicans and Independents overwhelmingly so.
Go to the U.S. Chamber’s report for a full look at the poll results, which includes insight into key demographic and political information.
