Distributed September 1, 2002
For Immediate Release

News Service Contact: Mark Nickel



Taubman survey on Democratic primary

Voters favor York over Whitehouse and Pires, Brown over Inman

A survey of 437 likely Rhode Island Democratic primary voters conducted Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2002, finds voters favor Myrth York over Sheldon Whitehouse and Antonio Pires in the race for governor. In the race for secretary of state, voters favor Matt Brown over incumbent Ed Inman, with more than half the voters undecided.


PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Myrth York holds a narrow lead over primary opponents Sheldon Whitehouse and Antonio Pires, according to a survey conducted by researchers at Brown University. However, many voters still have not made up their minds about their vote in next week’s primary.

The survey was conducted Aug. 31 to Sept. 2, 2002, at Brown University by Darrell M. West, director of the Taubman Center for Public Policy and the John Hazen White Sr. Public Opinion Laboratory. It is based on a statewide random sample of 437 likely Democratic primary voters in Rhode Island. Overall, the poll had a margin of error of about plus or minus five percentage points.

In the race for the Democratic nomination for governor, 32 percent of the likely Democratic primary voters say they plan to vote for Myrth York, the party’s nominee in 1994 and 1998; 26 percent indicate they will vote for Attorney General Sheldon Whitehouse; 13 percent name State Rep. Antonio Pires. Twenty-nine percent are undecided.

In the contest for the Democratic nomination for secretary of state, 27 percent of the likely Democratic primary voters favor Matt Brown, 21 percent support incumbent Secretary of State Ed Inman, and 52 percent are undecided.

For more information, contact Darrell M. West at (401) 863-1163.

Survey Questions and Responses

Are you registered to vote in Rhode Island? (if yes continue, if no terminate interview)

Do you plan to vote in this year’s Democratic primary? (if yes continue, if no terminate interview)

If the Democratic primary for governor were held today, would you vote for: 13% Antonio Pires, 26% Sheldon Whitehouse, 32% Myrth York, 29% don’t know or no answer

If the Democratic primary for secretary of state were held today, would you vote for: 27% Matt Brown, 21% Ed Inman, 52% don’t know or no answer

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