Charles Franklin

Without Gerrymander, Democrats Flip 14 Legislative Seats

The Democratic gains in a strong Republican year set up a chance for them to win majorities in 2026.

1.5 Million Absentee Ballots Cast in Wisconsin

That's 41% of registered voters, a new record for state's presidential election.

Can Harris Win Wisconsin?

Why Democrats are confident. And how the state's geography could upset expectations.

Harris and Trump Within Margin of Error in Final Marquette Poll

Survey of likely Wisconsin voters shows Baldwin leading Hovde by 2 points.

The ‘Secret Sauce’ That Could Reelect Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin

Incumbent finds voters in parts of Wisconsin that reject other Democrats.

New Poll Shows Harris Maintains 4% Lead Over Trump in Wisconsin

MU poll also finds US Senator Tammy Baldwin expands lead over Eric Hovde.

Marquette Poll Shows Harris Up, at 52% to 48% for Trump

Poll taken after both conventions shows Democrat ahead in key state of Wisconsin.

Marquette Poll Retooled for 2024 Election

E-mails and texts replacing random phone calls.

Less than Half of Wisconsin Voters Satisfied With Public Schools

Poll finds particularly high negatives in Milwaukee, where MPS financial problems arose.

Voter Enthusiasm Up For Wisconsin Democrats

Marquette poll shows Democrats now equal to Republicans in voter enthusiasm.

Biden, Trump Tied in Wisconsin in New Marquette Poll

Baldwin leads Hovde by at least five points in U.S. Senate race.

Robin Vos Faces Flak From Liberals and Conservatives

Assembly Speaker hit by liberal attack ad while fighting new recall attempt from the right.

Ron Johnson’s Curious Stand on Abortion

Pleading for Republican unity on an issue that's a loser for the party.

Cowboy Hovde Hurting Candidate Hovde?

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Eric Hovde might want to get off the range.

State Voters’ Views on Immigration Have Changed, Poll Shows

Fewer Wisconsinites favor path to citizenship while support for deportation is up.

Trump, Baldwin Narrowly Ahead In Marquette Poll of State

7 months before election Baldwin leads Hovde by 5 points, Trump leads Biden by 2 points.

The Recombobulation Area announces biggest subscription sale of 2024, celebrates year of tremendous growth

April Voters Will Weigh In on School Culture Wars

Activist school board members in Cudahy, Waukesha and other suburbs up for reelection.

Green Party Candidate Will Be On Wisconsin’s Presidential Ballot

Democrats fear a loss of votes that could defeat President Joe Biden.

Even Republicans Praise Tammy Baldwin

Democrat’s ability to court rural vote wins grudging respect — and fear.

Trump, Biden Tied in Wisconsin

Marquette poll finds neck-and-neck race nine months before election.

Why GOP Divided on Medical Marijuana

Republican divisions between geographic areas, between Senate and Assembly on the bill.

Tammy Baldwin Could Still Face 2024 Challenger, Party Leaders Say

They point to Ron Johnson's surprise run in 2010. GOP hopes for well-funded challenger.

Poll Shows Biden-Trump Toss Up In Wisconsin, But Others Outperform Trump

Latest Marquette University Law School poll shows preference for Haley, DeSantis versus Biden.

Two Democrats Will Challenge Republican Rep. Bryan Steil

District is possibly more competitive as a result of redistricting.

Marquette Poll Finds Support For Governor, GOP-Led Shared Revenue Deal

Majority polled also support abortion rights.

How Will AI Affect Next Election?

Artificial Intelligence could have a huge impact, ramping up disinformation in swing states like Wisconsin.

Is Baldwin Vulnerable? Or Unbeatable?

The pundits disagree. And who is the likely Republican opponent?

Why Republicans Lose Younger Voters

Can Scott Walker lead the way to transforming the party’s aging demographics?

Wisconsin Supreme Court Flip Was Years In the Making

Partisan-style campaigning and waning influence of Republican WOW counties contribute to Protasiewicz victory.

Supreme Court Candidates Make Last Push For Votes

Will Trump indictment affect race between Dan Kelly and Janet Protasiewicz?

Protasiewicz Embraces Democratic Issues

If elected, Supreme Court candidate could flip state on abortion, gerrymandering, election laws.

8th Senate District Race Will Decide GOP Veto-Proof Majority

Republican Rep. Dan Knodl, Democrat Jodi Habush Sinykin compete for open seat.

Liberal Candidates for Supreme Court Won a Majority

Janet Protasiewicz and Everett Mitchell got 54% of vote in primary election.

Will Republicans Legalize Marijuana?

Gov. Evers and two-thirds of voters support it. How long will legislators resist?

21 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the ballot totals, which groups, advocates and trends won or lost?

The Curious Candidacy of Joan Beglinger

Out-of-state group spends on ads for independent to help defeat Tim Michels.

Marquette Poll Shows Races Tightening

New poll shows governor's race is tied, Johnson leading Barnes 50% to 48%.

Age of Voters Will Decide Election

Key fact: a vast difference in political views between those under and over age 40.

Ron Johnson Expanding Lead Over Mandela Barnes in US Senate Race

New Marquette poll has Gov. Tony Evers holding a slight lead over Tim Michels in race for governor.

Johnson Overtakes Barnes In Latest Poll

Barnes was up 7%, now down 1% in Marquette poll. But Evers maintains slight lead over Michels.

Will Trump Help State’s Democrats Win?

His disapproval rate is way high in Wisconsin, yet Michels, Johnson have embraced him.

Poll Finds Huge Partisan Gap on Issues

Is the biggest issue inflation or climate change? Depends on who you ask.

Rallies in State Defend Roe V. Wade

Protests in blue and red cities, at state Capitol, in Sauk City and Village of Walworth defend abortion rights.

Sexism And The Marquette Poll

Should pollsters test respondents agreement with statements deriding women?

Democratic US Senate Primary Tightens In Poll

Marquette poll also shows Evers' approval steady, Ron Johnson’s declined further.

Little Change In Voting Rules For April

After 16 months of controversy only one change in rules, though not for lack of Republican efforts.

Can Ron Johnson Win Reelection?

His unfavorability ratings are high, but the politics of 2022 may be on his side.

A Moment of Clarity On Voting Rights

Marquette pollster Charles Franklin goes off script at Press Club.

61% Of State Supports Legal Cannabis

MU poll finds 75% of Democrats, 51% of Republicans back legalization.

Poll Finds Approval Up for Evers, Down for Johnson

MU poll finds Kleefisch leads GOP primary for governor, Barnes atop Democratic primary for senator.

Can Nicholson Beat Kleefisch?

Democrats are thrilled about what could be a bruising Republican primary for governor.

Marquette Law School Poll to release national surveys on political topics, Supreme Court, Jan. 26-27

What They’re Saying: One Year Out From Election Day, Democrats Brace for Red Wave

Marquette Law School Poll to release national survey of public views of the U.S. Supreme Court, Aug. 4

State’s Partisan Divide the Worst Ever?

‘The worst it's ever been,’ says one legislator. Are voters echoing politicians or vice versa?

Polls Missed on Trump Voters, Franklin Says

MU Law School pollster says Trump voters distrust and didn’t respond to polls.

19 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the vote totals there were so many other winners and losers.

Could Vos Be Tossed Out By Voters?

His handling of pandemic blasted by opposition groups.

Will BLM Movement Sway State Voters?

Both parties hope it will play to their advantage.

Could Polls Be As Wrong As In 2016?

Presidential polls of state look much like 2016. Experts say it's different this time.

1/3 of Wisconsinites Won’t Take COVID-19 Vaccine?

New poll shows many state residents wouldn't take the vaccine.

State Voters Less Undecided Than in 2016

Polls show Biden's lead in Wisconsin safer than Clinton's was in 2016. But how safe?

Will Kenosha Unrest Help Trump Win State?

His planned visit to Kenosha seeks to make urban unrest the key issue of campaign.

Will Biden’s DNC Snub Hurt Him In State?

Republicans gleeful. Is Biden's blowoff of Milwaukee convention Hillary-like or smartly strategic?

Trump Touts Economy in Oshkosh

Speech in Wisconsin for about a thousand people spread out and mostly wearing masks.

Republicans Target Northeast Wisconsin

CPAC event in Green Bay, Trump trip to Oshkosh underline Fox Valley's importance for his reelection.

MU Poll Shows Biden Still Leads Trump

Up by 5 points in new poll. Two other polls showed similar lead.

Wisconsin Public Education Network Annual Summit to be held virtually Friday, July 24

Advocates and experts from around the state will gather for 6th annual event.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds reduced but majority support for COVID-19 restrictions, while partisan divisions increase

Please note: Complete poll results and methodology information can be found online at law.marquette.edu/poll

Politicians Need Virus-Weary Voters’ Signatures

How can candidates get nomination papers signed and maintain social distance?

New Marquette Law School Poll finds strong support for coronavirus closings, even as it shows substantial economic impact

Please note: Complete Poll results and methodology information can be found online at law.marquette.edu/poll

State Republicans Now Love Trump

Big change from 2016, when GOP and talk radio opposed him, now 95% view him favorably.

Who Will Turn Out for April Election?

There might be a far bigger Republican turnout than some expect.

Poll Shows Trump Ahead in State

MU Poll shows him beating the major Democratic candidates, though within margin of error.

Impeachment Support the Same in MU Poll

Percent supporting impeachment and removal in new poll nearly identical to last poll.

Why State Voters Cooled on Impeachment

MU poll found small shifts add up and Trump might be helped by good economy.

Poll Shows Less Support For Impeachment

Support declining, MU poll shows, and presidential race in state also looks close.

Health Outcomes for City Children ‘Abysmal’

Policy experts say health care in the city and state remains a crucial issue.

Big Jump in State Support for Impeachment

Marquette Poll finds 46% of those surveyed now back inquiry, up from 29% in April.

First-ever national Marquette Law School Poll will examine public views of the U.S. Supreme Court

Poll results, panelist reactions will be released at conference, Oct. 21

Why Trump Could Lose Wisconsin

Politico says Trump in trouble because WOW counties never fully embraced him.

What Polls Show About the Legislature

Voters have net positive view of Legislature but negative toward Vos, split on Fitzgerald.

6 Questions for Legislators on Guns

How many state residents have guns? How many favor background checks, other laws?

Will Wisconsin Decide the 2020 Election?

All signs suggest this state could determine whether Trump wins reelection.

Why Republicans Hate the Gas Tax

Once they promoted this user fee, now they’d rather roads fall apart. Why?

State Lagged Nation in Income Growth

Report ranks Wisconsin 33rd in average growth in personal incomes since Great Recession.

A New Generation of Political Leaders

GenXers and Millennials are replacing Baby Boomers in political office.

Evers’ Approval, Disapproval Rises in Poll

But big majority in MU poll says Legislature not cooperating with governor and support him on most issues.

Evers Appoints Record Number of Women

For first time in history, majority of governor’s advisors are women.

Republicans May Oppose Medical Marijuana

Vos, Steineke say Evers’ support for full legalization has poisoned the discussion.

Poll Shows Strong Support for Evers Proposals

Marquette poll finds majority favors Medicaid expansion, hiking special education funding.

Marquette Law School Poll director Franklin goes ‘On the Issues’ with new poll on state and national issues

Franklin will report the findings of the first Marquette Law School Poll since the November election.

Liberals All Wrong on Early Voting Law

Actually Republicans have expanded early voting.

Evers Election Brings Changes to Capitol

Suddenly jobs for Democrats. And will Vos, Evers do deal on highway funding?

33 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the vote totals, who were the election’s other big winners and losers?

Last of the Republican Upstarts

Of 11 GOP governors who flipped states In 2010, Walker Is only one seeking a third term.

Voters Could Return Divided Power to Capitol

But will it mean compromise -- or deadlocked government?

Walker, Evers Take Different Routes on Roads

Evers says roads “are crumbling,” Walker says Evers will hike gas tax.

Baldwin, Walker Lead in Latest MU Poll

Baldwin up 10% over Vukmir, Walker up by just 1% over Evers.

The Rise of Absentee Ballots

Just 12% of all ballots in 2004, could hit 33% in 2020.

More Foxconn Bells and Whistles

They want a new venture fund and UW-Madison fund -- all subsidized by our taxes.

Why Walker Must Go Negative

Governor is so unpopular he must bludgeon his opponent or change his identity. Or both.

Walker, Evers Tied in Governor’s Race

And Vukmir just behind Baldwin in race for Senator, as challengers gain momentum.

23 Election Winners and Losers

Beyond the vote totals, who were the other winners and losers in yesterday’s election?

Foxconn Plays Politics for Walker?

Company's iffy "innovation centers" in Eau Claire, Green Bay could help reelect governor.

Poll Good News for Evers, Vukmir

Evers lead widens in gubernatorial primary, Vukmir nudges ahead of Nicholson.

Voters Unhappy About Tariffs, State Roads

Marquette poll shows low support for Trump tariffs and outstate concern about roads.

Foxconn Deal Has Divided the State

Even Republicans disagree about the deal.

Candidates for Governor Hold Debate

But not on TV. And not every Democratic candidate. So who won?

Why Walker Waved Red “Danger” Sign

He's experienced a wave election before, but that time it helped him.

School Safety Bill Renews Gun Debate

81% of voters favor background checks. Democrats support, Republicans oppose them.

Can Democrats Win State Senate?

Schachtner win gives hope. But everything would have to go right.

Can Walker Win Reelection?

And what’s the secret -- so far -- of his success?

Walker Retreats From Foxconn Deal

It was supposed to assure his reelection. What happened?

Marquette Law School to launch Lubar Center with first look at new Milwaukee Area Project

The Milwaukee Area Project thus seeks to examine and report on public opinion, public policy, and conditions throughout the region.

Medicaid’s Future A Key Campaign Issue

Republicans want big cuts. Democrats don’t. Likely issue in 2018.

Sheldon and Marianne Lubar give $5.5 million gift to fund Marquette Law School public policy initiative

Law School establishes Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education

Charles Franklin goes ‘On the Issues’ to present new Marquette Law School Poll

The Marquette Law School Poll is the most extensive statewide polling project in Wisconsin history.

Poll Analysis Shows How State Turned Red

Democrats had five percent edge in party identification in 2008 and 2012; that’s gone.

15 Election Winners and Losers

Clarke to the cabinet? Should pollsters be fired? RoJo trumps Trump. And much more.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Clinton leading Trump by 6 percentage points in Wisconsin; Senate race is virtually tied

Among Wisconsin likely voters, 46 percent support Hillary Clinton and 40 percent support Donald Trump.

Charles Franklin goes ‘On the Issues’ to present final Marquette Law School Poll of 2016 election season

The Marquette Law School Poll is the most extensive statewide polling project in Wisconsin history.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Wisconsin voters shifting support to Clinton after Trump video release

A new Marquette Law School Poll finds 44 percent of Wisconsin likely voters supporting Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton for president and 37 percent supporting Republican Donald Trump.

Why Wisconsin Needs Mexico

And how Trump’s get-tough policies will hurt the state.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Clinton edge over Trump narrowing to pre-convention levels among Wisconsin voters

Among likely voters Clinton is supported by 45 percent and Trump by 42 percent in the new poll.

Marquette Law School to host conference on public policy and American drinking water

This conference will take an interdisciplinary approach to exploring the water-related legal, scientific, engineering and environmental issues that fill today’s news and touch all of our lives.

The Battle Over Charter Schools

NAACP declares opposition and is criticized by charter supporters like Howard Fuller.

Wisconsin “Undecided” in Presidential Election?

One in five are undecided, independent or neither party voters in presidential race.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Clinton, Feingold leading

Majorities have negative views of presidential candidates

Can Challenger Defeat Paul Ryan?

Delavan businessman Paul Nehlen has Sarah Palin’s backing in bid for Ryan’s congressional seat.

Who Will Win the Elections?

The turnout will be massive. And could result in upsets.

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present new Marquette Law School Poll

The Marquette Law School Poll is the most extensive statewide polling project in Wisconsin history.

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present new Marquette Law School Poll

The Marquette Law School Poll is the most extensive statewide polling project in Wisconsin history.

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present new Marquette Law School Poll

The Marquette Law School Poll is the most extensive statewide polling project in Wisconsin history.

Marquette Law School and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel conference to examine future of the American public library

For generations, the public library has been a cornerstone of our democracy and a beloved cultural institution. But what about the future?

Marquette Law School Poll finds Walker job approval at 37 percent, following presidential run

Trump takes GOP lead, Clinton holds Dem edge in Wisconsin

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present new Marquette Law School Poll

Franklin and Mike Gousha will go inside the numbers of the poll

Harvard social sciences professor Sampson to present Boden Lecture, go “On the Issues” at Marquette Law School

Sampson will present “Neighborhood Inequality and Public Policy: What Can Milwaukee Learn from Chicago and Boston?”

Panel goes “On the Issues” to discuss Walker presidential campaign

In this hour-long conversation, we’ll take a closer look at Walker’s bid for national office with two award-winning reporters.

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present new Marquette Law School Poll

The Marquette Law School Poll is the most extensive statewide polling project in Wisconsin history.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds opportunities, limits to public support for cooperation in the Chicago “megacity”

Study of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin residents explores attitudes on workforce training, funding for transportation and tourism, and neighborhood and police matters

Marquette Law School, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel conference to examine public attitudes toward collaboration in the Chicago ‘megacity’

New Marquette Law School Poll surveys residents of Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana

Common Ground Lobbying Against Bucks Arena

Community organization is pushing city, county and state representatives to oppose public funding.

Conservative Power Rises in Senate

With the replacement of two key GOP moderates, Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has far more power.

Marquette Law School, College of Education to host half-day conference on critical K-12 education issues

The event is part of a continuing series of conferences on K–12 education sponsored by the Law School and College of Education, and is open to the public.

Bucks Arena Tough Sell for Outstate Legislators

Poll shows state residents outside metro Milwaukee and Madison oppose subsidy by 86% to 10%.

Marquette Law School Poll finds Walker job approval down

Clinton leads presidential matchups; controversy over budget

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present first Marquette Law School Poll of 2015

Franklin has directed the poll since its inception in 2012 and joined the Marquette faculty on a full-time basis in August 2013.

Do Voters Support Republican Policies?

On some bills, yes. On others, no.

Walker Not Most Polarizing Pol

Polls show he is fourth most polarizing among state voters.

Swing Voters Leave Hope for Democrats

They voted for Walker yet support accepting federal Medicaid increase and raising minimum wage.

Why Burke’s Loss Was Inevitable

Burke's impact as a candidate was so negligible that Walker was almost running against himself. He had to hope the Walker lovers outnumbered his haters.

Final pre-election Marquette Law School Poll finds Walker leading Burke in Wisconsin governor’s race

A new Marquette Law School Poll finds Republican Gov. Scott Walker leading Democratic challenger Mary Burke 50 percent to 43 percent among likely voters.

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present final pre-election Marquette Law School Poll

Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, will unveil a final round of pre-election poll results in an upcoming “On the Issues with Mike Gousha.

Walker Won Second Debate

But neither candidate can close the sale in election. Why?

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present new Marquette Law School Poll

Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, will unveil a new round of poll results in an upcoming “On the Issues with Mike Gousha.”

The Massive Gender Gap in Gov’s Race

Walker does terrible with women. But Burke does far worse with men. Why?

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present new Marquette Law School Poll

Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, will unveil a new round of poll results in an upcoming “On the Issues with Mike Gousha.”

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Wisconsin governor’s race remains statistical dead heat

The governor’s race remains statistical dead heat.

Charles Franklin goes “On the Issues” to present new Marquette Law School poll

Charles Franklin, director of the Marquette Law School Poll, will unveil a new round of poll results in an upcoming “On the Issues with Mike Gousha.”

Why Walker’s Liberal Campaign Tactics?

His ads target Burke for not being liberal enough. Is he desperate -- or crazy like a fox?

Voters Oppose Walker’s Run for President

That's what three straight polls show. But experts doubt it will impact governor’s race.

New Marquette Law School Poll finds Wisconsin governor’s race tied

A new Marquette Law School Poll finds that the Wisconsin governor’s race has tightened to a dead heat.

Marquette Law School, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to host one-day conference on political polarization

Marquette University Law School and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel will host a one-day conference titled “Dividing Lines: Political Polarization and What it Means for Campaigns, Public Policy, and Political Engagement.”

Republicans Should Retain Legislature This Fall

Democrats hope to retake Senate but their chances don't look good.

Casualties of War

The war over Act 10 may be a key reason 46% of legislators have left or will leave in just over two years.

Hispanics Could Be Critical in Governor’s Race

And Walker is reaching out to them.

Walker’s Year Of Political Danger

Weak poll results and tricky issues face the governor in the year before he runs.

Marquette Law School Poll shows Walker in tight race with Burke for Wisconsin governor in 2014

A new Marquette Law School Poll finds that, just over a year from the election, the 2014 Wisconsin governor’s race is shaping up to be very competitive.

Southeast Wisconsin Rules the Capitol

Almost every Republican -- and Democratic -- leader is from a small part of the state.

Gov. Walker’s Gender Gap

Men approve and women disapprove of him by large margins. Could that decide 2014 election?

Mystery Behind the MU Law School Poll

MU's pollster calls Ald. Kovac's radio show. Is she from the "East Coast," as MU says, or India?

Marquette Law School Poll shows range of public views of charter schools in Wisconsin

A statewide Marquette Law School Poll conducted March 11-14 finds that voters view charter schools as enabling more choice in education options but are doubtful that students learn more in charter schools than in public schools.

25 Winners and Losers

The list is long (and fun). This was a campaign with real consequences.

The Rise of MU Law School

How it became the state's leading pollster and a high profile place for public forums.

Stealth Conservatives

Bradley-funded think tank changes its polls and subsidizes Journal Sentinel’s right-wing columnist.