PPIC Statewide Survey: Californians and Their Government

• Seven in 10 residents say California is in a recession and three in four expect the state to have bad economic times during the next 12 months.
• Nearly half of likely voters say they prefer to deal with the budget gap through a mix of spending cuts and tax increases. Solid majorities say major changes are needed in the state’s budget process.
• Optimism about progress in Iraq remains low, but is higher than a year ago. Most residents say the nation should bring troops home as soon as possible.
• If the 2008 presidential election were held today, likely voters say they prefer Barack Obama over John McCain (49% to 40%), while a race between Hillary Clinton and McCain would be closer (46% to 43%).

This is the 84th PPIC Statewide Survey, and the 28th in the Californians and Their Government series. This survey includes the responses of 2,002 Californians and is supported by The James Irvine Foundation.