MEMORANDUM

TO: RICK W. ALLEN FOR CONGRESS CAMPAIGN

FROM: ROB AUTRY
DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
RE: GEORGIA CD 12 SURVEY RESULTS


METHODOLOGY
Public Opinion Strategies is pleased to present the Rick Allen for Congress Campaign with the
key findings of a survey in Georgias Twelfth Congressional District. The telephone survey was
conducted among 400 likely general election voters on September 15-17, 2014.

KEY FINDINGS
The national political mood is souring and the climate is ripe for change. As we get closer to
October, even more voters say we are headed down the wrong track (18% right direction 72%
wrong track) and a majority view President Obama unfavorably (40% favorable 52%
unfavorable). The generic Republican Congressional candidate holds on to an 8-point lead in
this district and voters here want someone who is going to serve as a check and balance to the
President and his agenda.

With less than 50 days to go, Congressman Barrow finds himself well below the 50% mark on
the ballot in a virtual tie with Republican Rick Allen. Fully 44% of voters are supporting
Congressman Barrow, while 42% say they are backing Allen for Congress (11% undecided).
Being below 50% is often referred to as the danger zone for incumbents, as undecided voters
tend to break towards the challenger the closer we get to Election Day. Moreover, Barrows
44% ballot support level matches his 44% favorable image rating (32% unfavorable)
suggesting that he is maxing out his support levels.

As this race becomes more defined and voters become more familiar with the candidates, the
better Rick Allen does. Among the 74% of voters who have heard of both candidates, Allen
holds a 46% to 42% lead over Barrow. Among the 45% who are familiar with both candidates,
Allen nears the 50% mark and holds a five-point lead in the Congressional race (49% Allen
44% Barrow, 5% undecided).

THE BOTTOM LINE
This survey shows Rick Allen in a statistical dead heat with Congressman John Barrow. The bad
news for Barrow is that voters here are even more pessimistic about the national political
environment and leadership, voting Republican at the top-of-the-ticket races, and well under
half are supporting the incumbent against a well-positioned challenger.