New Poll Shows For-Profit Education Good for Economy Lake Research Partners’ President Celinda Lake and Michael J. Wilson published an article on The Huffington Post about a new poll on for-profit education for Americans For Democratic Action Education Fund. Latest GW-Battleground Poll is Released Read more here. Annise Parker Wins Historic Election in Houston Lake Research Partners’ President Celinda Lake and Partners Bob Meadow and Joshua Ulibarri are thrilled to congratulate Houston Controller – and Mayor-Elect – Annise Parker on her victory in Houston’s runoff election. Parker won the runoff election with 52.8% support compared to 47.2% for her opponent, former City Attorney Gene Locke. Parker becomes the first out lesbian to win a mayoral election to lead a major American city. We are proud to be part of that effort and heartily congratulate Mayor-elect Parker, her entire campaign team, and everyone else who helped in this phenomenal and historic effort. Read more here. Martha Coakley wins Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate in Massachusetts Lake Research Partners is thrilled to congratulate our client Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley on her inspiring victory on December 9th, 2009, in the Democratic Primary special election to succeed the late Senator Ted Kennedy. In a field of four strong candidates, Martha Coakley won by an impressive 19 points over her nearest opponent—numbers that matched our polling to a tee. She advances to the General special election, where if elected she will become the first woman U.S. Senator elected in Massachusetts. We would also like to congratulate the truly wonderful team that helped make this victory a reality, including Kevin Conroy and Dennis Newman on the ground, Greg Pinelo and Anson Kaye of GMMB, and Chris Esposito and the rest of EMILY’s List. Read more here. Celinda Lake article published on the Huffington Post On November 19, Celinda Lake and Amy Gershkoff published an article in the Huffington Post website about the challenges facing political campaigns who are trying to reach working women. LRP Poll Finds Americans Very Concerned About Exposure to Toxic Chemicals A recent LRP poll of public opinion towards public regulation of chemicals was released by the group Safer Chemicals, Healthier Familes. LRP Partner Analyzes California Politics LRP Partner David Mermin published an analysis of electoral politics in the state of California in the Nov. 2 edition of the Polling Report. Read David's analysis here. Liu Wins Historic New York City Election for Comptroller On November 3rd, LRP client John Liu defeated Republican Joseph Mendola for NYC City Comptroller, becoming the city’s first Asian-American elected to citywide office. Liu survived a tough run-off in the Democratic Primary to take 76% of the vote in the General Election. Liu was the top vote getter in Tuesday's election, garnering more votes than Mayor Michael Bloomberg. LRP congratulates the Liu team for its efforts in this historic victory. A Democratic Sweep in Columbus City Council Elections Facing an increasingly difficult electoral environment for incumbent officeholders, LRP clients A. Troy Miller, Priscilla Tyson, and Eileen Paley each retained their seats on the Columbus City Council against insurgent Republican challengers in Columbus, Ohio. The three candidates amassed a combined 57% of the vote, according to unofficial returns. Read more here. Don Cunningham, Lehigh County Executive (PA), Prevails Despite Republican Surge Despite a late surge of Republican voters in Lehigh County, LRP client Don Cunningham defeated Republican Scott Ott by two points, 51% to 49%. Cunningham, the former Mayor of Bethlehem (PA) and one-term Lehigh County Executive, prevailed in an electoral environment that also produced two convincing victories in the County for downballot Republicans. Read more here. California Voters Favor Pilot Program for Publicly-Financed Elections A recent survey for Californians for Fair Elections finds that California voters, by almost a three-to-one ratio, favor a system of public financing for Secretary of State elections. Support for this initiative is strong across party lines and all regions of the state. Earlier this year, we found broad national support for a public financing program for Congressional Elections in a survey for the Public Campaign Action Fund. Read more about the findings here. Recent Polling Data on Financial Reform Legislation A new Lake Research Partners survey of likely voters in Blue Dog and DCCC Frontline congressional districts shows strong support for the creation of a Consumer Financial Protection Agency and reform of rules governing trading of complex financial products like derivatives. Liu Wins New York City Democratc Primary Runoff Election LRP client John Liu defeated David Yassky Sept. 29 to win the Democratic Primary runoff for NYC City Comptroller with 56% of the vote in light turnout. This victory means Liu is all but guaranteed to win the November general election. When he wins in November, Liu will become the first Asian American to hold citywide office in New York City. Human Rights Campaign Releases Groundbreaking Study on Workplace Climate for LGBT Americans LRP’s Tresa Undem led an ambitious research study for HRC on how LGBT identity unfolds in the workplace, how environment can affect the retention and productivity of all employees, and how organizations can address opportunities to improve climate. The research included 14 focus groups and the largest national survey of LGBT workplace experiences to date, administered to 761 LGBT workers from across the country. Our research and analysis lay the groundwork for creating an effective workplace climate assessment tool and resources for businesses to improve climate. Americans Struggling to Make Ends Meet According to a national survey conducted annually by Lake Research Partners on behalf of the Northwest Area Foundation (NWAF), Americans all across the nation say that things are even tougher for their families than suggested by the official unemployment ratings. Respondents say they have seen more people struggling to make ends meet in the past 12 months than in the previous year. Many report job losses, reduced work hours, and smaller budgets for food, medical care and other basic needs. The study, which includes statewide surveys in eight states – Iowa, Idaho, Minnesota, Washington, Oregon, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana – is available on NWAF's website. Back to School in New York City As students in New York City return to school, The New York Times’ "City Room" blog is providing updates about both the first day of school and the coming school year. This includes concerns about the H1N1 virus, which are particularly salient due to findings from a recent LRP survey conducted for the Community Service Society about public school parents who cannot take time off from work to care for a sick child. Small Business Majority Releases Results of LRP Polling Between May and August of this year, LRP interviewed small business owners in 15 states for the Small Business Majority. The wide-ranging results of this research on the economy and health care may be found here. LRP Partner Participating in Human Rights Campaign Online Panel Discussion The Human Rights Campaign releases findings from their Equality Forward project, with research conducted by Lake Research Partners. Partner Joshua Ulibarri will be part of this online panel to discuss our research on the intersection between race and sexual orientation. To learn more about this one-of-a kind conversation about race, sexuality, and gender, or to join in the discussion, please click here. On the Edge: Health Care in the Recession With research conducted by Lake Research Partners, Kaiser Family Foundation has issued several new reports and a video that shed light on the recession's rising toll on American families and the public programs that many depend on to fill the gap during times of crisis. They include a look at the lives of ordinary Americans who are struggling to cope with lost jobs and health coverage, as well as examinations of the strains on state Medicaid programs and hospital emergency departments. LRP Partner Addresses the Tuesday Group on Affirmative Action On August 4th, LRP Partner Daniel Gotoff participated in a discussion on Affirmative Action at the Tuesday Group. Please click here for more information. Historic Revenue-Generating Measure Passes in Columbus, Ohio. On August 4th, Columbus voters approved Issue 1 – a .5% income tax increase – by a 4-point margin, 52% to 48%. Mayor Mike Coleman strongly supported the tax increase, putting his prestige on the line, to balance the budget while protecting public health, parks and recreation, public safety services, and vital city services. Despite the recession, voters supported the measure to protect their city – the first income tax increase in Columbus in 27 years. Lake Research Partners extends a hearty congratulations to the Mayor, City Council, and Issue 1 team. Latest GW-Battleground Poll is Released Read more here. LRP Survey of Cancer Patients Cited on MSNBC A news segment on health reform cites LRP data showing cancer patients cutting prescription medications to cut costs, among other findings. The survey was conducted for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Michigan voters say no to funding cuts for early childhood programs A recent LRP poll among Michigan voters finds support for making the investments necessary to ensure children arrive at school ready to learn even if it increases taxes. Please click here for more detailed information. Lake Research Partners Has Moved As of June 26, Lake Research Partners has moved offices. We didn't go far - just from the fifth floor to the eleventh. Our new address is: 1726 M Street, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036. Our Berkeley, California and New York office addresses remain the same. LRP’s Survey on Chronic Conditions Cited in Huffington Post Article Nancy Whitelaw of the National Council on Aging discusses LRP’s survey among Americans with chronic conditions in Huffington Post article. LRP Survey Highlighting Concerns About Addiction Featured in USA Today The poll, sponsored by Closing the Addiction Treatment Gap, a program of the Open Society Institute, shows that almost half of Americans are concerned about the cost of addiction treatment, and nearly three-quarters support including it in national health care reform. LRP Partner Discusses NBC/WSJ Poll on CNBC The latest NBC/Wall Street Journal survey data was released Thursday, June 18, showing current American opinions on President Obama and the economy. In this video clip, partner Joshua Ulibarri helps CNBC's Dennis Kneale understand what it means. LRP Survey of Cancer Patients on NBC’s Today Show As part of Today’s special series on cancer, data from our national survey of cancer patients and survivors were highlighted on a segment called the “Financial Costs of Cancer” on June 9, 2009. LRP worked with its Republican partner, American Viewpoint, to conduct this bipartisan study for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Celinda Lake Comments on Recent Gallup Poll on America's Position on a Woman's Right to Choose Read Lake Research Partners President Celinda Lake's comments on the recent Gallup Poll here. Major LRP Survey of Cancer Patients Released on Capitol Hill The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network just released findings from a major LRP survey conducted among people with cancer nationwide. The poll results show nearly one in four cancer patients has delayed getting a cancer test or treatment in the past year because of cost. One in three (32%) people under age 65 with a cancer diagnosis has been uninsured at some point since their diagnosis. Four in ten (41%) have had difficulty affording health care costs, including 52% of those under age 65. LRP worked with its Republican partner, American Viewpoint, to conduct this bipartisan study. Celinda Lake Co-Publishes Climate Change Article in Huffington Post Lake Research Partners President Celinda Lake recently co-published an article on climate change for the Huffington Post website with Dr. Drew Westen of Western Strategies. Please read the article here. LRP Partner Named Campaigns and Elections 2009 Rising Star Campaigns and Elections Magazine named LRP Partner Daniel Gotoff a Rising Star for 2009. Read the article here. LRP Salutes 5th Anniversary of MA Marriage Equality This week marks the 5th year anniversary of Massachusetts becoming the first state to allow gay and lesbian couples the right to marry the person they love. Lake Research Partners is proud to have partnered with our client, MassEquality, in defending marriage for gay and lesbian couples in Massachusetts. Our recent study, celebrating the anniversary, finds that voters feel it has been good for the state and voter opposition to a repeal has grown ten points. Please follow this link to learn more about our study. Snyder Takes First Again In the May 5th Lincoln, NE City Council election, Jayne Snyder won handily with 25% of the vote in a field of six candidates. Lincoln City Council will now be majority Democrat, so along with the mayor, LRP client Chris Beutler, Lincoln's leaders are looking forward to being able to work together and move Lincoln forward. Read more at The Lincoln Journal Star. Women's Voices Women Vote releases LRP Study on Pay Equality In honor of Pay Equality Day, Women’s Voices. Women Vote (WVWV) has released a report titled, “The Economics of Unmarried America” aimed at drawing a clear and nonpartisan picture of the lives of unmarried Americans, showing that unmarried Americans are bearing a disproportionate share of the nation’s economic hard times. The report’s findings were compiled by Lake Research Partners. Click here to read the full report. LRP and Topos Partnership Release Findings on Protecting American Consumers A recent LRP poll, conducted in conjunction with Topos Partnerhip, finds overwhelming public support for creating a Financial Products Safety Commission to protect consumers from dangerous financing options such as unfair credit terms and sub-prime mortgages. LRP Research on Chronic Conditions Still Has Legs LA Times article features LRP research for the California HealthCare Foundation on adults with chronic conditions who are delaying health care because they cannot afford it. Survey results have also received attention from the New York Times, US News & World Report, and others. Snyder Takes First In City Council Primary On Tuesday, April 7, Jayne Snyder of Lincoln, NE emerged victorious from a crowded pack of candidates vying for six spots on the May 5th City Council ballot. Snyder bested her nearest opponent, incumbent City Councilor Ken Svoboda, by 5 points. Read more at The Lincoln Journal Star. Iowa Supreme Court Unanimously Strikes Down Rule Denying Marriage Rights to Gay and Lesbian Couples In 2007 LRP conducted statewide research around the gay marriage issue, with the goal to develop messages that would encourage voters to contact their legislators to oppose putting a ban on the ballot. Read more about the decision here. Communities for an Equitable Olympics 2016 (CEO 2016) Negotiating with City of Chicago for Community Benefits Agreement LRP's research in this area is highlighted in this article. LRP Research Featured in the Christian Science Monitor In a recent article on the rights of doctors to refuse treatments they find morally wrong, an LRP poll from 2007 on the issue is cited. LRP Assists Herndon Alliance in Framing Health Reform Debate The online news site Politico.com published an article focusing on the efforts of the Herndon Alliance to shape health reform debate, spotlighting LRP's participation in shaping the message. Groundbreaking Survey on Americans with Chronic Conditions Finds One in Four Delaying Health Care For the National Council on Aging, The Atlantic Philanthropies, and the California HealthCare Foundation, LRP conducted groundbreaking national and California surveys released March 18th on the needs and challenges of Americans and Californians with chronic conditions. LRP Releases Early Polling on 2010 California Races LRP's early polling of the 2010 California races shows Democrats Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom with strong leads over their potential Republican opponents Steve Poizner and Meg Whitman. However, the race to be the Democratic nominee is wide open, with a substantial number of likely 2010 primary voters undecided. LRP Research Bolsters Congressional Testimony on Health Care Executive Director of The Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured Diane Rowland testified before members of Congress on February 24, 2009 using LRP research on rising health care costs and its effects on family budgets. NewsHour Features LRP Research LRP research on the newly uninsured featured on The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, February 11, 2009. LRP Research Featured in New York Times Article The New York Times features LRP study on barriers New Yorkers face in renewing health insurance coverage through Medicaid, February 25, 2009. LRP Comes to Aid of Firefighters Joshua Ulibarri and Celinda Lake provide political training at the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) annual Political Training Institute, March 3, 2009. Lake Presents Latest Opinion Data to Bell Policy Center At the Bell Policy Center's Annual Luncheon, Celinda Lake gives a presentation on voters' national priorities, attitudes toward spending, the stimulus package, and the federal budget, February 18, 2009. Jacob Hacker discusses LRP research on public health insurance Jacob Hacker discusses LRP research on public health insurance at "Thinking Big, Thinking Forward"'a conference convened by The American Prospect, Institute for America's Future, Demos, and the Economic Policy Institute , February 11, 2009. Houston City Controller Annise Parker Signs Up LRP for Mayoral Bid LRP looks forward to helping elect Annise Parker as Mayor of Houston. LRP Report to Show Critical Role of Unmarried Voters in Political Process Women's Voices, Women Vote and LRP are preparing to release a new, comprehensive report on the status and importance of Unmarried America, Spring 2009. For the most recent research on Unmarried America, click here. LGBT Equality Conference Taps Lake for Talk on Immigration Equality President Celinda Lake speaks on immigration equality at the 2009 National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, January 30, 2009.