A new poll, released on September 18, 2003, finds that 71 percent of voters in Washington state's 8th congressional district support the Wild Sky Wilderness Act, which would protect an important recreational area in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest east of Seattle. The poll, conducted by American Viewpoint, a Washington, DC, Republican polling firm headed by Linda DiVall, also finds that people throughout the 8th district want to see Republicans take a stronger leadership role in the effort to pass the Wild Sky Wilderness legislation. Washington's 8th District is represented by Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn.
The American Viewpoint poll shows that 8th district voters from all voter groups overwhelmingly support the Wild Sky Wilderness issue. Robust, bipartisan support includes 56% of Republicans, 86% of Democrats, and 78% of "Ticket-splitters." Even voters who identified themselves as "extremely conservative" gave the issue majority support.
"With a significant number of split-ticket voters, the 8th district can be considered a bellwether district for recent statewide and presidential races," said Bob Carpenter, American Viewpoint Vice President. "The overwhelming favorable response from 'ticket-splitters' shows that the enactment of the Wild Sky Wilderness could be a key factor for all statewide candidates in 2004."
"Business leaders and the conservation community are working hand-in-hand to get the Wild Sky protected once and for all," said Doug Walker, CEO of WRQ. "Many of us have chosen to live and locate our businesses in communities close to wild places. These lands are important to our employees and our quality of life, and for these reasons it's important that our lawmakers work together to protect special places like the Wild Sky."
"Washington's wild places are important to our members and customers, and that's the reason why REI continues to be a strong supporter of the Wild Sky Wilderness Bill, and encourages bipartisan support in its passage," said Dennis Madsen, REI President and CEO. "Passage of the Wild Sky is good for outdoor recreation, the state's economy and for the future generations that will benefit from protection of these important recreation lands."
American Viewpoint conducted the survey of 400 registered voters in Washington's 8th Congressional District from July 14 through July 15, 2003. All interviews were conducted by telephone. The margin of error for this study is plus or minus 5% at the 95% confidence level.
Background
The Wild Sky Wilderness legislation (S. 391 and H.R. 822), introduced by Senator Patty Murray and Representative Rick Larsen, would designate 106,000 acres of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest as part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. The measure is co-sponsored by Washington's Senator Maria Cantwell and by Republican Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn, as well as Representatives Dicks, Inslee, Smith, McDermott, and Baird.
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee unanimously approved the Wild Sky Wilderness Act of 2003 on July 23, 2003, thereby clearing the measure for consideration by the full Senate. At a hearing on the bill in June, the Bush Administration testified that the President would sign the bill if it passes Congress.
Murray and Larsen first introduced their Wild Sky Wilderness bill in the 107th Congress. The measure was approved in the Senate but failed to receive approval by the full House as time ran out in the final days of the session.
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