Posted on 01/13/2004 7:17:04 PM PST by nwrep
Survey: NH Voters Want Candidates Who Support Missile Defense
Tuesday January 13, 6:46 pm ET
The survey commissioned by the Washington, DC based Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA) was conducted January 4-6 and had a margin of error of +/- 4%. 61 percent of likely voters say that when they go to the polls on January 27th they will be more likely to vote for a Democratic candidate who supports missile defense.
"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, founder and CEO of MDAA. "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."
Other highlights of the survey include:
* 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.
The poll also found the following on the Presidential Candidates:
Howard Dean 31% Wesley Clark 19% Joe Lieberman 13% John Kerry 11% Dick Gephardt 4% John Edwards 4% Don't Know 11% Other 3%
Congress has authorized a missile defense system. Construction of the first phase, initiated under the Clinton Administration, is underway. Ellison said the cost is about $9.1 billion per year, or less than 3% of the U.S. defense budget. He said the system is based on technology that has gone through extensive testing and was successful in all nine instances of Patriot missiles being used to counter Scud missiles in the recent war against Iraq.
"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," added Ellison.
Among the goals of MDAA are to keep the public informed on the missile defense, the need to have the system deployment, and the need for continued funding by Congress as the threat and technology continue to evolve.
Ellison is a former college and professional football player. He was a Linebacker on the USC National Championship team in 1978. He was a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, with whom he won three Super Bowls. Continuing a commitment to missile defense that began in college, he has more than 20 years experience advocating, educating and advising on the issue. He founded the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance as a non-profit organization to speak for members throughout the nation who support the deployment of a national missile defense system.
/sarcasm off
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