Only 22 percent of voters think that Bradley has ever changed a position as a result of a contribution. But voters are less likely to think this about McCain. Only 25 percent think McCain has ever made or changed policy as a result of a contribution. Among Republican primary voters, however, the candidates are viewed equally on this issue. While McCain and Bradley have the upper hand on image, it may not, ultimately, give them much advantage in the vote.
Voters say that issues, rather than personal qualities, are what determine their vote.
Sixty-six percent say that a candidate's issue positions are more important to their vote, while only 24 percent say that a candidate's personal qualities are. At the same time, however, when asked how they would like to spend the projected budget surplus, only 23 percent of Republican primary voters choose taxes. But 43 percent say they'd rather shore up Social Security and Medicare, and 20 percent would like to use the surplus to pay down the debt. Abortion is also of some concern to Republicans. 66 percent of Republican primary voters who would like to see abortion banned say the issue plays a very important role in their vote.