TvPoll: Everything's Roses For Henry

A new TvPoll for KWTV-Channel 9 in Oklahoma City shows incumbent Governor Brad Henry is in a bed of roses as Election Day nears.

Witness: (1) 75.4 percent believe the state is headed in the right direction; (2) 54.9 percent rate the current economy as excellent or good; (3) 57.4 percent expect the good economy will remain and 23.5 percent believe it will get better; (4) 52.3 percent say their families' financial situation is about the same as a year ago and 23.9 percent believe it will get better; (5) Henry's approval rating is now a staggering 78.4 percent.

The wide-ranging poll covered numerous issues as it sought to get a finger on Oklahoma's pre-election pulse. The poll was taken of 1,260 registered voters on October 12-13 by automated (so-called "robo") calls.

President Bush's approval rating was at 56.8 percent, disapproval at 42.4 percent.

Other findings: (1) The state's budget surplus should be rebated to taxpayers, 32.3 percent said; 22.2 percent said it should be put into the Rainy Day Fund and 30.4 percent said it should be split between refunds and the Rainy Day Fund. (2) Both political parties do about the same job when it comes to handling state government spending, with 37.8 percent citing Democrats and 36.2 citing Republicans. (3) 75.8 percent said it is very important that at least 65 percent of each education dollar reach the classroom; at present, it is 56 percent. (4) 89 percent said they are opposed to allowing illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition to colleges and universities. (5) 51.7 percent said they disapprove, somewhat or strongly, to the expansion of Indian gaming in the state; 44.1 percent said they somewhat or strongly approve. (6) 64.2 percent said they approve of the state lottery; 34.5 percent said they disapprove.

TvPoll.com is owned by pollster Bill Shapard and Dr. Keith Gaddie, professor of political science at the University of Oklahoma and nationally-known political pundit.

Photo: Henry, Ernest Istook ending Tuesday night's debate in Lawton

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