The MTSU Poll, an independent and nonpartisan public-opinion poll on major social, political and ethical issues affecting Tennessee, released its Fall 2011 data on Monday, Oct. 24.

Poll interviews were conducted by telephone Oct. 3-14, 2011, by students in MTSU’s College of Mass Communication. Students interviewed 640 people age 18 or older chosen at random from the state population.

The poll has an estimated error margin of plus or minus 4 percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence.

Findings in this fall’s poll include:

• Three Republican frontrunners all have double-digit leads over President Obama;
• President Obama’s job approval has hit an all-time low, and disapproval climbs to all-time high, in Tennessee;
• Most Tennesseans are aware of the new voter ID law, but many are confused about the details;
• Leave lottery-funded college scholarships alone for now, most say;
• Gov. Bill Haslam has Tennessee’s approval as his first year in office draws to a close;
• Tennesseans are divided on the state Legislature’s job performance;
• Tennesseans’ dim view of cooperation in Washington, D.C., persists, especially on the issue of creating jobs;
• Tennesseans say cut spending and raise taxes, but don’t raise taxes on the rich;
• Dissatisfaction with the national economy and direction is high and rising; and
• Happiness with local public schools depends on where you live.

To see the complete Fall 2011 survey results, or to learn more about the MTSU Poll, visit the MTSU Poll’s website at www.mtsusurveygroup.org.