How polls reflect the opinions of their funders

Last Thursday we wrote about on how polls can reflect the opinions of their funders. (See "DM&E poll: It's all in how you ask the questions".) This morning Bluestem Prairie gives us ample example of that from a letter culled from the New Ulm Journal:

We are being railroaded...

Last week, the New Ulm Journal reported on a survey taken by supporters of the current plan to obtain a large federal loan for the DM & E railroad.

We posted on the article at the time, noting that the details of its questions and methodology had not been released. We wrote: "In judging the merit of polling results, it's helpful to look at the questions and methodology used in asking and assessing them."

In today's New Ulm Journal, one the 400 people who was polled releases some information of her own:

TO THE EDITOR:

I was one of the 400 Minnesotans surveyed (about the DM&E rail project) on Aug 8-9. This was the most biased survey I have ever participated in. The caller started by asking me how I felt about Tim Pawlenty, Amy Klobuchar, Ardele Brady, and Kevin Schieffer.

She moved on to say, “The price of corn for area farmers will be increased substantially after the DM&E upgrade is finished. Do you support the upgrade?”

She said DM&E has a great safety record, which will be even better after the upgrade, but Mayo insists the upgrade will cause accidents. Then she asked whether the upgrade will harm Mayo Clinic patients. Given the long preface to the question and the phrasing, I’m not surprised only 12.7% of the respondents said “No.”

After repeating her statement about how much the DM&E loan will help Minnesota farmers, she asked if I wanted our legislators in Washington to help close the loan or oppose it.

Every question was preceded with unsubstantiated facts. She asked “Now do you support the DM&E upgrade?” at least five times. I got the distinct impression she would not conclude the survey and let me hang up until I gave the right answer.

Based on the results of this survey, DM&E officials think they have a green light for the expansion? We are being railroaded...

JANET KRUEGER
Rochester

Ms. Krueger's letter is here.