The Darrell East - Marrón University POLITICAL POLLING CENTER

Since the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island may well be the most important race this election, we have decided to keep a weekly eye on the pulse of the public as they strive to educate themselves prior to their vote in November. Although our polling is highly unscientific, its results will be as accurate as any standard polling method (Plus or minus 5).

WHAT DO YOU THINK? #5

There has been much talk by Political Science professors that the Lieutenant Governor's office should be retained but that the two should run as a team on the same ticket. What do you think?

32% There's no "Lieutenant Governor" in the word team

19% Only a ploy to increase executive bowling league scores

16% Having a "running mate" crosses the line into a politicians private personal life

13% The "Buddy System" only worked in Providence

9% Would require extensive voter education program

7% Would hamper Governor's ability to speak with Lt. Governor on his lap

4% Increases the probability of a resurgence of "Cat's Cradle" being played in the Governor's spare time

WHAT DO YOU THINK? #4

This week we surveyed Rhode Islanders to determine what they thought was the most important role of the Lt. Governor other than waiting for the death or incapacity of the Governor. Here are the responses:

34% Being the keeper of the "I Love RI" club house

21% Shepherding legislation to make the quince our State Fruit

18% Calling other Lt. Governors to remind them about the all important May 2009 Summit of the Lt. Governors

10% Reading to kids in Rhode Island High Schools

7% Maintaining a low profile so as not to incur terrorist retribution

6% Completing the General Assembly assignment to write a composition on the theme "What I did on my Lieutenant Governorship"

4% Filling in for the ailing and often absent State Beekeeper

WHAT DO YOU THINK? #3

This week we survey Rhode Islanders on the following: Some aspirants for the office of Lt. Governor promise to use the office in a manner similar to that of a "Super-Legislator", offering bills to the General Assembly and working on projects in health care, economic development, and the like. What do you think?

30% Having capital S-L on outfit will get obscured by the flowing red cape, unlike the Governor's capital G

22% Could better use super powers of hearing to benefit all seniors

16% Will save tax dollars by converting office to phone booth

10% Being faster than a speeding bullet would annoy state workers

8% Ability to suck up the entire Narragansett Bay would benefit the fishing industry without angering environmentalists

4% Why would anyone want to give superheroes a bad name?

WHAT DO YOU THINK? #2

This week we ask Rhode Islanders about the Lieutenant Governor serving as a "helper for the Governor". What do you consider the most persuasive argument for having the Governor and Lieutenant Governor work as a team?

32% Save Governor from getting messy reaching into trash cans at Walt's

23% Second guessing a partner is a tremendous bonus in any marriage

12% Someone needs to be the straight man when speaking on policy issues

11% Hey, it worked for "Shake 'n Bake", why not?

10% Should the Governor die in office, there will be someone there to continue to push for the same ridiculously myopic agenda

6% Makes a public statement on family values

4% With two incomes it would be easier to mortgage the State House

2% Encourages renewal of the "my Governor is better than your Governor" playground debate

WHAT DO YOU THINK? #1

Although it is only March and the election is not until November, what do you think about having a Lt. Governor in Rhode Island?

43% Slightly less important than Cranston crossing guards

25% Favor changing office to allow Old Stone Bank crony appointment by Governor

15% Need to increase Lt. Governor's constitutional duty to include an appointment to the Rhode Island Stagecoach Revitalization Commission Think Tank

10% A what?

7% Favor creating 40 Lt. Governor Offices, then abolishing them and thereby saving $40 million dollars a year and helping to balance the budget