Washington Post Maryland Governor's Race Poll, October 2002

This special topic poll, conducted October 20, 2002, was undertaken to assess public opinion prior to the November 2002 Maryland gubernatorial election. Respondents were asked to give their opinions on the qualifications and abilities of Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (Democrat) and United States Congressman Robert Ehrlich (Republican). Opinions were gathered on the effectiveness of the administration of current governor Parris Glendening, the likelihood of the respondent voting for one candidate over another, the effect of each candidate's choice for Lieutenant Governor (Larson for Townsend and Steele for Ehrlich), the condition of the state economy, and the overall tone of the gubernatorial election. Respondents were also asked to give their opinions on the importance of the following in the 2002 election: taxes, public education, crime, the environment, abortion, traffic, and the budget deficit. Background information on respondents includes age, sex, education, religious orientation, ethnicity, household income, voterregistration status, and political orientation.