Ipsos/Reuters Poll: Issues Tracking

Washington, DC - These are findings from an Ipsos poll conducted for Thomson Reuters from July 19-23, 2012. A summary of the findings is listed below.

• The debate about Mitt Romney's tax returns is not just usual inside-the-beltway bickering.
  • About half of Americans (47%) think Romney's tax returns is an important part of the campaign including a majority (54%) of independents. The other half (53%) of Americans say the debate about Romney's returns is a waste of time
    • A plurality (46%) of Americans say that Americans have a right to know presidential candidates' financial history including most independents (57%) and Democrats (69%).
    • But most Republicans (62%) say Romney has released what he needs to and further requests are unnecessary.

• Romney's returns and Bain Capitol have also gotten some legs:
  • 71% of Americans are aware of discussion about Romney's tax returns.
  • 67% are aware of discussion of Bain Capitol.

• But the impact of those two issues is very partisan driven:
  • While 66% of Dems say the discussion of Romney's taxes have made them less favorable towards Romney, most Republicans (66%) and Independents (58%) say it had no impact.
  • Likewise, response to Bain Capitol has a significant partisan split: 65% of Dems say the discussion Bain have made them less favorable towards Romney, most Republicans (65%) and Independents (61%) say it had no impact.

More data and full technical details are available in the topline document attached.

For more information on this news release please contact:

Julia Clark Vice President Ipsos Public Affairs 202.463.3623 [email protected]

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