Download a printable version of the survey results

FINDINGS

In the 2004 and 2006 surveys, the results are “directional” and are not  statistically projectable with respect to the base of delegates as a whole on how they feel about issues.  This data only represents the views of those choosing to respond because the respondents were not random and were entirely self-selecting; however, these results are useful in studying the potential impact of these 509 delegates, assuming they are able to attend the 2006 TDP State Convention.

• Total 2006 responses (509) represent 16% of those surveyed (3,121); a slightly smaller response level than 2004 likely due to a more stringent process to respond online.
• 2006 delegate responses show approximately twice the number of supporters for non-Kerry 2004 primary candidates with Dean, Edwards, Clark and Kucinich primary supporters most prevalent. The 2004 survey respondents favored Kerry by a factor of 70%.
• 90% of 2006 survey respondents self identified as progressives or liberals, which is roughly comparable to 2004 survey respondents.
• 81% of 2006 respondents said the Party needs “dramatic reform”; this compares to 66% among 2004 respondents.  18% felt “minor adjustments” were needed to win, compared to 28% in 2004.
• Maxey was favored for Party Chair by 53% of respondents, followed by 32% undecided, 12% for Ritchie and 3% for Urbina Jones.

CONCLUSIONS

Again, conclusions can only be “directional”, not projectable to the delegates at large due to the self-selecting sampling skew.

• The presidential preference from the 2004 primary among those current delegates responding is much more varied.  This would seem to suggest that those supporting “losing” 2004 primary candidates have not picked up their marbles and gone home.  These respondents seem to be a resilient group who voted for “change” in 2004 and are returning to continue the quest.
• Self-described Progressives and Liberals have returned to Convention in 2006 with the same level of participation as in 2004.  This may suggest they are a majority, though the projectability of this is not statistically reliable.
• Regarding Party reform among respondents, there has been shrinking of those who believe “minor Party adjustments” are needed and an increase in the numbers that “dramatic reform” is needed for a winning Party. Some describe these respondents as “Angry Democrats” who seem determined to repair their party rather than “drop out”.
• Statistical conclusions cannot be drawn regarding preference for Party chair but Maxey certainly is preferred among respondents who self describe as Progressives, Liberals and those who supported 2004 candidates other than Kerry.  Certainly this suggests that those respondents see him as the candidate for needed change, though a consequential number of these respondents were undecided when they cast their “vote”.  This survey was fielded several weeks back and may not reflect current preferences a week or so away from the Convention.

Please note that the total number of delegates and alternates totaled 6926 as of March 16, 2006, but only 3121 of the individuals on the list had email provided.

The following charts are provided with respect to the responses.