QUINNIPIAC: National Collegiate Athletic Association sanctions against Penn State football hurt the program “a great deal,” 42 percent of Pennsylvania voters say, while 33 percent say sanctions hurt “somewhat,” according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.
The sanctions are “too severe,” 46 percent of voters say, while 32 percent say they are appropriate, compared to the findings of a January 29 survey by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University, in which 53 percent said the sanctions are “too severe” and 28 percent said “appropriate.”
When he was State Attorney General, Gov. Tom Corbett did not do enough to investigate the Jerry Sandusky scandal, voters say 58 – 23 percent, with no group saying he did enough.
A total of 47 percent of Pennsylvania voters say the Penn State situation will be “very important” or “somewhat important” in their vote for governor next year, while 48 percent say it will not be important.
With the passage of time, voter opinion of the late Joe Paterno is improving slightly: Voters have a 47 – 27 percent favorable opinion of the late Penn State coach, compared to 43 – 29 percent favorable January 29.
“Despite a better-than-predicted record in the first post-Paterno season, all voters, even Penn State Football fans, are still steamed with the NCAA for the harsh sanctions imposed on the legendary program,” said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.
“Pennsylvanians think Gov. Tom Corbett fumbled the Sandusky probe.
“It’s a penalty flag for the governor. Facing a blitz of solid Democratic defenders, he is going to have a hard time moving downfield.” … (more)
