Survey Shows Idaho More Conservative But Support Of Environmental Laws Still High

Idahoans are getting more conservative, according to Boise State University’s annual public policy survey.

The survey, which polled 592 Idahoans from all regions of the state, found that 56 percent described themselves as conservative when it comes to economic issues. Thirty-one percent said they were moderate; only 13 percent chose liberal.

James Weatherby, a BSU professor, said polling from the mid-1970s to late 1980s showed an average of 42.5 percent of Idahoans called themselves conservative.

“Maybe that tells us a little bit about the in-migration,” he said, suggesting that people moving to the state are conservative.

Weatherby also noted that the 56 percent figure is the same as the number in the survey who said they support the property tax-limiting One Percent Initiative. And it’s close to the 58 percent who said if the initiative passes, Idaho should cut spending rather than make up the lost property taxes with other tax hikes.

But the survey didn’t show predictable opinions across the board, he noted. Nearly 60 percent said they would support a state takeover of federal lands only if current federal environmental laws remained in place - a position counter to that of conservative wise-use and industry groups pushing for such a move.

On social issues, 49.4 percent of respondents said they were conservative, 30.1 percent said moderate and 20.5 percent picked liberal.

The survey covered a broad range of topics. Among its findings:

Forty-six percent said they would vote against the antigay rights initiative being proposed for the November ballot, 33.9 percent said they’d vote for it, and 20.1 percent were undecided.

Nearly 90 percent said they were either “somewhat satisfied” or “highly satisfied” with their “overall quality of life as a resident of Idaho.” Rural residents and longtime residents were more likely to be satisfied with their quality of life, as were those with higher incomes. Members of minority groups were less likely to be satisfied.

Local government was the runaway favorite when respondents were asked in which level of government they have the most trust and confidence, and which responds best to their needs. Local government’s ratings have shot up since the early ‘90s, when they were roughly equal with state government. Trust in the federal government remains low.

Asked to grade their local public schools, 38.4 percent gave a “C” grade, 36 percent chose “B” and 11.1 percent said “A.” At the low end, 9.9 percent gave a “D” grade and 4.7 percent said “F.”

Nearly three quarters said Idaho is becoming an easier place for children and youth to get into trouble.

Three quarters of respondents opposed allowing longer trucks on Idaho’s roads, and 70.5 percent were against higher truck weights.

Forty percent said they used an RV in 1995, 38.6 percent rode mountain bikes, 37.8 percent went boating and 31.6 percent used rafts, canoes or kayaks.

Nearly three-quarters would attend more arts events, particularly arts and crafts fairs, museums or galleries, and plays, if they just had more time.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Idaho’s move to the right