Survey Views Of Black Republicans

Republicans For Black Empowerment recently conducted a membership survey (hat tip: DarkStar Spouts Off).

While it features a sample pool of only 95 participants, a self-selected group (i.e., people who are RBE members) and thus is not representative enough of the universe of black Republicans, the survey may provide some insight into black Republicans' views.

Background: 83% of survey respondents listed an educational background of having at least a 2-year associate’s degree.

35% have a Master's degree, law degree, or Ph.D.

27% have bachelor's degrees.

Ideology: 82% of respondents identified themselves as "somewhat conservative" or "very conservative".

The report does not give breakdowns for the other 18% of respondents (i.e., whether they consider themselves to be moderate, somewhat liberal or very liberal, lbertarian, whatever).

Presidential Candidate Support: 32% of respondents support former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

Sen. John McCain and former U.S. Senate Fred Thompson each have 16% support among RBE respondents, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney 15%, Rep. Ron Paul 11%, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani 9%, and Rep. Duncan Hunter 3%. Sam Brownback, Alan Keyes, and Tom Tancredo (who dropped out) were each at 0%.

RBE writes: "This preference may be attributed to Mr. Huckabee being the only top tier candidate to participate in an 'African American' Presidential debate hosted by Tavis Smiley and PBS at Morgan State University last September. Also of note is the seeming unpopularity of Rudy Giuliani who at 9% had less support than Ron Paul. Mitt Romney was favored by 14% of respondents."Booker Rising notes that the survey was taken on January 5, after Mr. Huckabee's victory in the Iowa caucuses. Since the Republicans have had been one caucus (Wyoming) and two primaries (New Hampshire, Michigan) since this poll - with various winners - it would be interesing to know whether these stats still hold up.

It is also interesting that Alan Keyes, the only black Republican in the race and thus "one of us" for the RBE crowd, had no supporters.Issues Of Concern: Repondents cited economic growth, the War On Terrorism, and health care as their top three concerns. 55% of respondents cited economic growth as one of their top 3 issues. 54% did so for the War On Terrorism, and 48% cited affordable healthcare as a Top 3 concern.Illegal immigration, the budget deficit and education were intermediate concerns. Abortion and gay marriage were at the bottom of respondents' lists of concerns.

The Republican Party And Blacks: When asked if the GOP addresses key issues in their community, 35% said "somewhat agree" and just 7% said agree. 21% disagreed and 24% somewhat disagreed that the GOP addresses key issues in their community. 51% of respondents also said that Republican outreach efforts in black communities were "small" or "nonexistent".53% of survey respondents say they are involved with their local Republican Party.

Which Political Party Serves The Interests Of Black Americans? Opinion was split here. 49% of respondents said the Republican Party. However, 49% said "neither party". 2% said the Democratic Party.