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A summary review of the issues, their importance to voters and their potential influence on candidates and races in 2004. A Survey of South Carolina Voters. Profile of the survey sample. 100% are registered voters 99% voted in the 2002 election.
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A summary review of the issues, their importance to voters and their potential influence on candidates and races in 2004 A Survey of South Carolina Voters
Profile of the survey sample • 100% are registered voters • 99% voted in the 2002 election
Identify the one or two most important issues, that federal government should deal with
Have free trade agreements (NAFTA, WTO) been good or bad for the U.S.
Has the emergence of China as economic superpower been good or bad for the U.S.
Do you agree with foreign governments “pegging” currencies to U.S.$, making foreign goods less expensive, and exporting U.S. jobs
Do you agree or disagree that “outsourcing” of U.S. service jobs is inevitable and good for Americans
In today’s economy: Are you worried about a major wage earner losing a job
For each: A major reason, minor reason, or not a reason for U.S. job losses to foreign competitors
S.C. voters were asked to rate how well national, state legislatures have done their jobs “lately”
The issue and the elections • South Carolina can be a pivotal state in November • 81% of the state’s voters say that the economy will affect their vote • South Carolina is a manufacturing state -- Only nine states have a larger share of their gross state production from manufacturing (2002 data)
South CarolinaManufacturing jobs lost 2000-2003 • 65,300: manufacturing jobs lost in a state where one job in five is in manufacturing S.C. Employment Commission
South Carolina voter • About 2/3 of eligible voters are registered (2.1 million out of 3 million) • Average S.C. voter turnout: 59% -- 4% above national average
Your vote can make a big difference For example • 835 employees at Nucor Berkeley • Voting power – 835 people times 1.7 registered voters per household = 1,420 votes • 537 votes -- The margin of victory in Florida in the 2000 electoral college vote
How can I make a difference? Four Simple Suggestions • Ask your elected officials how they are actively opposing currency manipulation and other unfair trade practices
How can I make a difference? Four Simple Suggestions • Ask your elected officials how they are actively opposing currency manipulation and other unfair trade practices 2. Ask your local officials to pass resolutions and to write your congressional delegation to urge immediate action
How can I make a difference? Four Simple Suggestions • Ask your elected officials how they are actively opposing currency manipulation and other unfair trade practices 2. Ask your local officials to pass resolutions and to write your congressional delegation to urge immediate action 3. Spread the word – to friends, business people, your community – on the negative impacts of unfair trade, currency manipulation
How can I make a difference? Four Simple Suggestions • Ask your elected officials how they are actively opposing currency manipulation and other unfair trade practices 2. Ask your local officials to pass resolutions and to write your congressional delegation to urge immediate action 3. Spread the word – to friends, business people, your community – on the negative impacts of unfair trade, currency manipulation 4. Register to vote. Vote for candidates who will stand up for U.S. jobs
How can I make a difference? Seek support of elected officials for a comprehensive, pro-manufacturing platform • Tort reform (i.e. H.3744) • Tax reform & tax relief (i.e. H. 4925) • Containing health care costs • Cost benefit analysis of new regulatory requirements
American and S.C. Jobs Make Your Vote Important • Some foreign governments and multi-national corporate interests want you to think your vote doesn’t count • Turn the trade war around – help us restore fair trade with your votes
American and S.C. Jobs Make Your Vote Important • S.C. voter survey: 46% see China’s emergence as economic superpower as bad for U.S., and 50% disagree with foreign governments pegging their currency to U.S. dollar • Take action and win the trade war