Despite recent evidence that Republican voters feel bummed out by Washington inaction and chaos, a second consecutive poll shows that they are more motivated and enthusiastic than Democrats heading into the 2018 election season.
The latest Morning Consult/Politico poll found that voters are getting revved up in advance of the midterm elections and that Republicans have the motivation edge. From the survey analysis:
Voter enthusiasm grows ahead of 2018 midterms: In this week’s poll, 79% of voters said they are motivated to vote in the upcoming 2018 midterm elections, compared to 11% who said they are not motivated. In late December, 72% said they were motivated, and 13% said they were not motivated
Motivation high across party lines: 89% of Republicans, 83% of Democrats, and 68% of Independents said they were motivated to vote in the upcoming midterms. In late December, 80% of Republicans, 75% of Democrats, and 62% said the same.
Republicans attribute their advantage to the recently-passed tax reform package that put more cash in their wallets.
“Republicans voters are responding favorably to the tremendous results that have come from the historic tax reform bill,” said one official.
A second GOP campaign officials told Secrets, “Midterm elections typically favor our voters, so there could be evidence of that in this poll. Also, we’ve seen an uptick in enthusiasm/support from our base since tax reform passed, because now they have something to be energized about and rally around.”
But Republicans have been burned by the enthusiasm advantage before, notably during the 2012 presidential campaign of Mitt Romney.
As a result, they are telling House and Senate members to take nothing for granted and are pointing out recent elections where Democrats have outnumbered Republicans.
“We want our members to recognize that this is a different cycle and different environment, and we can’t count on our voters’ enthusiasm carrying us at the end of the day,” said the campaign official. “That’s why everyone needs to be campaigning hard, working their district, and selling our message,” added the official.
