New poll: Eyman initiative and gay domestic partnership initiative leads

The latest KING5/Survey USA poll shows Tim Eyman's Initiative 1033 -- with would limit spending for state and local governments -- leading 45 percent to 32 percent.

The poll showed that Referendum 71, which would affirm the state's new domestic partnership law for gay couples was leading --slightly. The KING5/Survey USA poll found that 45 percent of likely voters were certain to vote for the referendum, while 42 percent were certain to reject it. Another 13 percent were uncertain.

The pollster noted that despite the Eyman initiative's lead 22 percent of respondents are undecided, and "any outcome remains possible."

"Typically, opposition to ballot measures builds as Election Day approaches. This is especially true when a ballot measure seeks to spend taxpayer money. In the present case, Initiative 1033 seeks to limit the spending of taxpayer money, so the general rule may or may not apply. Further: all-mail voting in Washington State, which begins when ballots are mailed in mid-October, makes the concept of an "Election Day" less meaningful," SurveyUSA said.

According to the poll, the initiative is supported by three of four conservatives, two of three Republicans, and by a two-to-one margin among Independents. Liberals and Democrats are opposed by a two-to-one margin.

The poll found a gender gap in the domestic partnership measure. Men rejected it by a four-point margin, while women supported it by 12 points.

The poll also found wide disparities between parties and between residents of Western and Eastern Washington.

It found that  72 percent of Republicans saying they will vote to reject while 72 percent of Democrats said they will support it.

Survey USA said: In Metro Seattle, the measure is approved by 18 points; in Eastern Washington, it is rejected by 18 points. Western Washington voters outside of Metro Seattle are more divided, with an 8-point margin voting against the referendum.