Survey: First-time voters in 2008 less likely to vote for Obama

The LSU Public Policy Research Lab recently conducted a study that surveyed first-time voters in 2008 and found that 82.5% of those who voted for President Barack Obama are less likely than other Obama voters—90%—to think he deserves re-election. The PPRL survey also found that 82.2% of 2008 first-time voters are less likely than other voters—93.3%—to say they will definitely be voting in 2012, and that 71.9% of 2008 first-time voters are less likely than other 2008 Obama voters—90.4%— to say the president will be better than GOP candidate Mitt Romney at improving the economy. The study was supported by the Reilly Center for Media & Public Affairs and housed within the Manship School of Mass Communication. "This unique insight into President Obama's base offers a sneak peek into how his key constituency's loyalty has fared in the four years since he stepped into office," says PPRL Director Kirby Goidel. "This is the only survey to identify 2008 first-time voters to see where they are four years later. Other surveys have looked at new or young voters. It is important for this [2012] election and for understanding how these voters—mobilized by an historic election—change over time." To view the full report, click survey.lsu.edu.