Polling Data Shows Prop 8 Race Neck and Neck
LGBT Community Urged to Give More Right Away
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, LOS ANGELES – In an urgent announcement, the NO on Prop 8 campaign, Equality for All, today convened a special briefing of the LGBT press around the country. The campaign released new polling data that shows the opponents of Proposition 8 losing ground as proponents continue to flood the airwaves with misleading television ads. Proposition 8 is the November ballot initiative that eliminates the right of same-sex couples to marry in California.
“Our most recent polling data shows us four points behind,” said Geoff Kors, a member of the NO on Prop 8 Executive Committee. “And unless we raise significant new dollars, we will not be able to compete with the proponents on television.” The latest poll from Lake Research shows the race 47% Yes and 43% No.
“While our poll didn't surprise us, it did confirm that we were starting to lose ground because we simply cannot match the proponents dollar for dollar on television,” said Steve Smith, NO on Prop 8 Senior Campaign Strategist. “We wanted to let LGBT community know that there is a level of complacency and false sense of security, and we wanted to set the record straight.”
Smith said, “Public polls have given everyone the impression that this campaign is over – it’s already won. Nothing could be further from the truth.”
The campaign released a memo from pollster Lake Research Partners that indicated that the opponents of Prop 8 had lost ground from just a few days ago.
“We have the messages, our advertising is compelling, but polling tells us that it is not being seen or heard as much as the Yes side, and that needs to change,” Lake says in the memo.
Geoff Kors concluded: “The proponents will continue to mislead the public, and we can’t let their lies stick. And if we can't get the resources into this campaign – both in dollars and volunteer hours – we will lose. Right now the fundraising gap is $6million. That’s the challenge, but I believe once the community understands how tight this race is, they will dig deep and give to our efforts. I’m comfortable that our best fundraising weeks are those ahead of us. We need everyone to pitch in right now.”
To receive a copy of the Lake Research polling memo, contact Eddie Fernandez, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide at eddie.fernandez@ogilvypr.com.
CONTACT: Ali Bay
PHONE: (916) 717-1411 or (916) 425-3363
WEBSITE: www.noonprop8.com