Today, Magellan Data and Mapping Strategies released a survey of 1,030 likely Louisiana general election voters measuring opinion about Governor Bobby Jindal and President Obama’s handling of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Among likely general election voters in Louisiana, 66% approve of the way Governor Bobby Jindal is handling the oil spill and 21% disapprove. Overall, these are good numbers for Governor Jindal, with an approval ratio of 3 to 1. A majority of respondents, 60%, disapprove of President Obama’s handling of the oil spill and 31% approve.
It is clear that Louisiana voters, regardless of party affiliation, value the economic and job benefits of the oil industry to the state. Respondents overwhelmingly favor the expansion of offshore drilling, 72%, and two thirds, 64%, oppose the Obama administration’s 6 month moratorium on offshore drilling. Despite the oil spill tragedy in the Gulf, Louisiana voters apparently do not want off shore drilling to come to a complete halt. This is understandable considering the thousands of families and individuals that depend on the industry for jobs.
Download survey release, toplines and crosstab results below.