January 13, 2004 :: Yahoo News :: News
The days when the Democratic party was the party opposing missile defense may soon be numbered. A survey released by the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA) found some surprising results in favor of missile defense among voters in New Hampshire. Overall, 75% of NH voters and 66% of likely voters in the Democratic Primary support a missile defense system. Moreover, 64% of likely voters would support the deployment of current partial missile defense system—which the Bush administration has said will take place this year.
“The Democratic candidates have a chance to clarify their position with New Hampshire voters and clearly articulate their views on funding and deploying a missile defense system,” said Riki Ellison, the MDAA founder and CEO: “Voters in the Democratic Primary know the threat of attack is real, they are confident in our ability to develop and deploy the system we need, and they understand there is a proven technology for an effective, affordable system for missile defense.” “Too many of the Democratic candidates say they support funding for missile defense but oppose deployment,” said Ellison; “The candidates should declare their commitment to protecting US cities by deploying a missile defense system.”
The New Hampshire survey also found that:
61% of likely voters say they are less likely to vote for candidates who would end missile defense funding.
75% of likely voters believe missile defense is a critical issue and should be discussed by the candidates.
73% of likely voters believe that a foreign country or terrorist organization currently has the capability to launch a missile at the United States.
58% of likely voters believe money spent on missile defense is money well spent.
91% of likely voters think an attack on Boston, New York or Montreal would have a significant impact and loss of jobs in New Hampshire.
71% of likely voters believe the technology currently exists to deploy a successful missile defense system.
MDAA commissioned the independent polling firm Public Strategies, Inc. to perform the survey, which was conducted January 4-6 and had a margin of error of +/- 4%.
MDAA conducted similar a similar survey in Arizona in 2003, which found that:
78% support deploying a missile defense system to protect the lives and families of every American.
81% of the people questioned believe that the capabilities are out there to launch a ballistic missile carrying a weapon of mass destruction.
77% of those polled are in favor of funding the nation’s missile defense program. 66% of Democrats and 70% of Independents supported the funding.
75% of the people approved the affordability of developing a missile defense system.
73% feel that the government needs to deploy a missile defense system right now.
(Article)» MDAA website
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