Issues Favor Democrats, Republicans Say it's Too Early
A police officer watches over the scene of the Highland Park Independence Day parade shooting on July 4. The mass shooting has vaulted guns to the top issue for Illinois voters, according to a new poll for The Illinoize.
Fewer than two months out from a mass shooting at an Independence Day Parade in suburban Highland Park killed seven paradegoers, guns are the top issue among Illinois voters, according to a new poll from The Illinoize.
The statewide poll was conducted Thursday through Sunday by McHenry County-based firm Victory Geek, sampling 512 voters using both automated and live phone calls. The margin of error is ±4.3%
According to respondents, 16% say guns are their top issue headed into the November election. 15% say the economy is their top issue and 12% say abortion. Crime, taxes, and inflation each received 10% of responses.
In numerous polls, guns appeared to be an issue boosting Democrats and hurting Republicans, though some GOP operatives believed fervor for gun reform would die down before the November election.
The issues are helping to buoy a large group of Democratic candidates, which is no surprise to Democratic consultant Tom Bowen.
"You don't need a poll to tell you Republicans are in trouble up and down the ballot in Illinois,” said Bowen. “Extremists policies on banning abortion, opposing lowering drug prices for seniors, and denying that Joe Biden won the 2020 election don't sell here."
The generic ballot for legislative seats showed Democrats with a 21-point advantage, but top Republicans aren’t concerned.
“Ask GOP nominee for Governor Mayor Richard Irvin what he thinks about early polls,” said former Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady, referring to Irvin’s large lead squandered in the GOP primary. “Nobody, and I mean nobody, is focused on these races right now.”
With Republicans trailing badly in each statewide race, GOP operatives may hope their candidates can change the narrative as soon as possible.
The full poll can be seen here.