October 23, 2006

Poll: Republican Party Losing Jewish Voters

Listed in: Other Domestic Policy, NJDC News, Press Releases

The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) today announced that the efforts of Jewish Republicans to switch the political affiliations of Jewish voters has floundered. Released earlier today, the American Jewish Committee's (AJC) 2006 Annual Survey of American Jewish Opinion shows that the number of Jewish voters identifying themselves as Democrats has increased from 48 percent to 54 percent since the last mid-term election in 2002. At the same time, the number of Jewish voters identifying themselves as Republicans has decreased from 18 percent in 2002 to 15 percent in 2006.

"These numbers reaffirm what we have been saying for so long. Jewish voters just don't feel comfortable with the Republican Party," said NJDC Executive Director Ira Forman. "Most recently, the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) spent a million dollars in a 'devoid of truth' campaign to divide the Jewish community and convince Jewish voters to switch their party affiliation. All they have to show for it is a three percent decrease in the number of Jews who consider themselves to be Republicans and a six percent increase in the number of Jews who are now Democrats. If this is what you get with $1 million in RJC ad buys, I hope that they spend $2 million in 2008."

The AJC survey also shows that the number of Jewish voters who identify themselves as liberal has increased from 37 percent in 2002 to 42 percent in 2006. In contrast, the number of Jewish voters who identify themselves as conservative has decreased from 29 percent to 25 percent during the same time period.

According to the AJC 2006 Annual Survey, Jewish voters also believe that the Democratic Party is more likely to make the right decisions about the Iraq war and terrorism, as well as ensure a strong economy.

Dem Rep
59% 22% Who is more likely to make the right decision about the Iraq war (Question 21)?
60% 27% Who is more likely to ensure a strong economy (Question 22)?
51% 28% Who is more likely to make the right decision on terrorism? (Question 23)

"RJC donors are going to demand a refund when they read these numbers," Forman noted. " These non-partisan numbers don't lie. Jewish voters aren't buying what Republicans are selling."

The AJC's 2002 and 2006 Annual Surveys of American Jewish Opinion can be viewed at http://www.ajc.org.