GOP pollster: Nevadans prefer tax increases over spending cuts by wide margin

Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011 | 1:14 p.m.

By a stunning margin of 52 percent to 37 percent, Nevadans think the governor and the Gang of 63 should raise taxes to avoid cuts in government services, according to a poll just completed for the Retailers Association of Nevada.

As usual, voters are a bit inconsistent. On a later question, when asked if the reduced spending in Sandoval’s budget is needed, 52 percent said yes and 44 percent said no. That’s still close but hardly jibes with the tax/cuts question.

The survey was conducted for the Retailers Association of Nevada by nationally respected Republican pollster Glen Bolger, who also found that the public would prefer the tax increases remain temporary (well, no kidding.) But the significance here is that despite the relentless no-new-taxes mantra repeated by Gov. Brian Sandoval and his echo chamber across the courtyard, and fueled by the likes of Chuck Muth, the conservative firebrand, that’s not where the public is.Or at least not always. That is, voters tend to be more thoughtful than the vocal minority. What a shocker.

Indeed, as Bolger points out, “Support for raising taxes to address the budget shortfall is at an all time high.”

Another significant number: 74 percent of voters think teacher salaries should not be reduced.

Also: 55 percent say a corporate income tax, with 41 percent against.

Voters are split almost evenly on whether to change the tax system – 46 percent say it works well, 48 percent say it’s time for a change.

Voters believe Sandoval understands their problems (53-39) but don’t believe the same of legislators (31-60).

And here is a problem for lawmakers as they try to make their case: Although the governor is not wildly popular, compared to the Gang of 63, he is a juggernaut:

Sandoval approval ratings: 47/26 (R: 66-9; D: 34-44; Indies: 41-20)

Legislature approval ratings: 35/36

Full summary at right.

UPDATE: I have also posted full instrument.