When asked to cite the least important issue in the upcoming election, all groups in a recent Synovate study agreed that same-sex marriage is at the bottom of the list, with gun control a close second. However, for Hispanics, the second least important issue is the war in Iraq (see chart below).
"This is likely due to the fact that many Hispanics, as first generation immigrants to the US, do not yet have family members serving in the military," said Tom Mularz, Senior Vice President at Synovate. "This is in sharp contrast to African-American respondents since 30% are either in the military or have family members in the military. This was the highest of all the groups surveyed so the war is going to be a much bigger issue to them."
When asked about their overall financial well being compared to two years ago, about one quarter of each race surveyed think they are better off now, while at least one-third of each group said that they are worse off. Among those that say they are in a worse financial situation now, the feeling is highest among African-Americans and Hispanics, at 41% and 41% respectively.
Slightly more than half of all whites, blacks and Hispanics surveyed indicated they will likely spend their upcoming tax relief checks while 64% of Asian-Americans plan to save it.
Clear Distinctions
Ethnic Group / Issues |
Hispanic |
African – American |
Asian-American |
Caucasian |
Approve Driver Licenses for Immigrants |
84% |
20% or lower |
20% or lower |
20% or lower |
Economy, Most Important Issue |
Second, after Immigration |
yes |
yes |
yes |
Want to Increase Border Restrictions |
20% |
69% |
50% |
79% |
Disapprove of the U.S. Presence in Iraq |
85% |
91% |
NA |
59% |
Poor Rating for Bush’s performance |
67% |
86% |
NA |
61% |
Least Important Issue in Upcoming Election |
Same – sex marriage |
Same – sex marriage |
Same – sex marriage |
Same – sex marriage |
Second Least Important Issue in upcoming Election |
War in Iraq |
Gun Control |
Gun Control |
Gun Control |
Candidates Ability to speak Spanish will Influence choice for President |
40% |
10% |
10% |
10% |
Concern Unemployment – Investment Performance |
Unemployment (71%) |
Unemploy-ment (74%) |
NA |
Investment Performance (52%) |
Source: Synovate
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