Product marketed for sexual enhancement is contaminated with potentially dangerous ingredient
SILVER SPRING, Md., Aug. 26 - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to take TimeOut Capsules because it contains an active drug ingredient that can dangerously lower blood pressure. The product is marketed as a dietary supplement for sexual enhancement.
TimeOut is labeled as "100% natural" and consumers may mistakenly assume the product is harmless and poses no health risk. TimeOut is distributed on Internet sites and online marketplaces as 2,500 mg capsules.
Consumers who have TimeOut Capsules should stop using them immediately. Sexual enhancement products that claim to work as well as prescription products are likely to expose consumers to unpredictable risks and the potential for injury or death.
The FDA analyzed TimeOut and determined that it contains hydroxythiohomosildenafil, a chemical similar to sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. Like sildenafil, this chemical may interact with prescription drugs such as nitrates, including nitroglycerin, and cause dangerously low blood pressure. When blood pressure drops suddenly, the brain is deprived of an adequate blood supply which can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness.
To date, the FDA is not aware of any adverse events associated with the use of this product.
The FDA advises consumers who have experienced any negative side effects from sexual enhancement products to consult a health care professional and to safely discard the product. Consumers and health care professionals should report adverse events to the FDA's MedWatch program at 800-FDA-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm.
During the past several years, the FDA has found many products marketed as dietary supplements for sexual enhancement that can be harmful to consumers because they are adulterated with ingredients in FDA-approved drugs or variations of these ingredients.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
In Two Party Race, November Elections Could Go Either Way
NEW YORK, Aug. 26 - During an election year, August recess for members of Congress is a time for them to reconnect with their constituents and get a little rest before they come back to D.C. for a flurry of activity for one month followed by one month of intense campaigning. This year, they need to do more reconnecting than resting, as just 15% of Americans rate the overall job Congress is doing as positive with 85% giving their job negative marks. And, while Democrats may hold control of Congress, their partisans are not being more kind - three-quarters of Democrats (73%) give Congress negative ratings as do 89% of Independents and 95% of Republicans.
These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,775 adults surveyed online between August 9 and 16, 2010 by Harris Interactive.
The November Elections
One of the stories of this election season so far has been Democratic disenchantment and Republican enthusiasm. Looking at two simple factors - voting interest and voting likelihood - shows this story continues as the summer ends. While over half of Americans (53%) say they are absolutely certain they will vote in the November elections, that numbers goes up to 63% for Republicans and only to 55% for Democrats. Interest shows a similar trend. Three in five Americans (60%) say they are interested in the House of Representatives election this year. Looking at it by party, seven in ten Republicans (71%) say they are interested versus 56% of Democrats.
Tea Party supporters are the most enthusiastic. Seven in ten of those who are Tea Party supporters (70%) and three-quarters of those who consider themselves a Tea Party member (77%) say they are absolutely certain to vote. They are also more likely to be interested in the election. Eight in ten Tea Party supporters (79%) and 88% of Tea Party members say they are interested in the House of Representative election this year.
This enthusiasm is showing itself in a tight race for the House. One-third of Americans say they would vote for the Democratic candidate (34%) and one-third say they would vote for the Republican candidate (33%) with over one-quarter still undecided (28%). Looking at just those who say they are absolutely or very certain to vote this November, the edge goes to the Republicans, as 39% say they will vote for them with 37% saying they will vote for the Democratic candidate. And, among those who are extremely or very interested in this year's election, the Grand Old Party could see a landslide as almost half of these people (47%) say they would vote Republican compared to 35% who would vote for the Democrat.
But, if there is a Tea Party candidate in the race, things look better for the Democrats. In a three way race, 34% of Americans would vote for the Democrat, 22% would vote for the Republican and 11% would vote for the Tea Party candidate with one-third (33%) undecided. When looking at interest and likelihood to vote, the edge remains with the Democrats in the three-way race. Among those absolutely or very certain to vote, 38% would vote Democrat, 25% Republican and 14% for the Tea Party candidate. Among those extremely or very interested to vote, 36% would vote Democrat, 29% would vote Republican and 19% would vote for the Tea Party candidate.
So What?
The 2010 midterm elections are entering the final phase. Once Labor Day is over, the fall election cycle is in full swing. So far this year, 6 incumbents have lost in primaries around the country. Other incumbents have survived close calls. The electorate is disgruntled, but what happens over the next nine weeks will help decide two important factors. First, who will actually turn out to vote on November 2nd? And, more importantly, who are they voting for?
TABLE 1
CONGRESS' OVERALL JOB RATING
"How would you rate the overall job Congress is doing?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Political Party
---------------
Rep. Dem. Ind.
---- ---- ----
% % % %
--- --- --- ---
POSITIVE 15 5 27 11
-------- --- --- --- ---
Excellent 2 * 4 *
--------- --- --- --- ---
Pretty good 14 5 22 11
----------- --- --- --- ---
NEGATIVE 85 95 73 89
-------- --- --- --- ---
Only fair 35 24 48 32
--------- --- --- --- ---
Poor 49 71 25 57
---- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding; * signifies less than 1%.
TABLE 2
CONGRESS' OVERALL JOB RATING - TREND
"How would you rate the overall job the Congress is doing?"
Base: All U.S. adults
TREND Positive* Negative**
--------- ----------
% %
--- ---
2010 August 15 85
---- ------ --- ---
June 14 86
---- --- ---
May 15 85
--- --- ---
April 16 84
----- --- ---
March 10 90
----- --- ---
Jan. 16 84
---- --- ---
2009 Dec. 17 83
---- ---- --- ---
Oct. 16 84
---- --- ---
Sept. 19 81
----- --- ---
Aug. 22 78
---- --- ---
June 25 75
---- --- ---
March 29 71
----- --- ---
2008 October 10 86
---- ------- --- ---
August 18 77
------ --- ---
June 13 83
---- --- ---
February 20 76
-------- --- ---
2007 December 17 79
---- -------- --- ---
October 20 77
------- --- ---
April 27 69
----- --- ---
February 33 62
-------- --- ---
2006 September 24 73
---- --------- --- ---
May 18 80
--- --- ---
February 25 71
-------- --- ---
January 25 72
------- --- ---
*Positive = excellent or pretty good. **Negative = only fair or poor.
Note: Prior to March, 2009, this question was asked by telephone.
TABLE 3
Voting Likelihood
"An election for the House of Representatives will be held on November 2nd. How certain are you that you will vote?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Political Party Tea Party
--------------- ---------
Rep. Dem. Ind. Supporter Member
---- ---- ---- --------- ------
% % % % % %
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Will Vote 80 88 84 81 92 92
--------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Absolutely
certain I will
vote 53 63 55 51 70 77
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Very certain I
will vote 14 14 14 17 13 11
-------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
I probably will
vote 12 10 15 13 8 3
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Will Not Vote 13 7 10 13 5 4
------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
I probably will
not vote 7 5 6 6 3 3
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
I am certain I
will not vote 6 2 4 7 2 1
-------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not sure if I
will vote 7 5 6 6 3 5
------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 4
ELECTION INTEREST
"How interested are you in the House of Representatives elections this year?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Political Party
---------------
Rep. Dem. Ind.
---- ---- ----
% % % %
--- --- --- ---
Interested 60 71 56 63
---------- --- --- --- ---
Extremely interested 22 32 21 43
-------------------- --- --- --- ---
Somewhat interested 20 21 17 18
------------------- --- --- --- ---
Interested 18 17 18 25
---------- --- --- --- ---
Not Interested 40 29 44 20
-------------- --- --- --- ---
Somewhat interested 25 21 30 37
------------------- --- --- --- ---
Not interested at all 15 8 14 25
--------------------- --- --- --- ---
Tea Party
---------
Supporter Member
--------- ------
% %
--- ---
Interested 79 88
---------- --- ---
Extremely interested 38 48
-------------------- --- ---
Somewhat interested 25 23
------------------- --- ---
Interested 17 17
---------- --- ---
Not Interested 21 12
-------------- --- ---
Somewhat interested 16 4
------------------- --- ---
Not interested at all 5 8
--------------------- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 5
MIDTERM ELECTIONS - TWO-PARTY RACE
"If the election for the House of Representatives was being held today, would you vote for the Republican or the Democratic candidate?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Political Party Tea Party
--------------- ---------
Rep. Dem. Ind. Supporter Member
---- ---- ---- --------- ------
% % % % % %
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Democratic
candidate 34 2 77 23 12 10
---------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Republican
candidate 33 82 2 26 67 73
---------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Other 5 2 1 12 5 6
----- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 28 15 19 39 16 11
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 5B
MIDTERM ELECTIONS - TWO-PARTY RACE - VOTING INTEREST AND INTENTION
"If the election for the House of Representatives was being held today, would you vote for the Republican or the Democratic candidate?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Voting Interest
---------------
Extremely/
Very Not
Interested Interested
(NET) Interested (NET)
----------- ---------- -----------
% % % %
--- --- --- ---
Democratic
candidate 34 35 35 24
---------- --- --- --- ---
Republican
candidate 33 47 42 12
---------- --- --- --- ---
Other 5 5 5 9
----- --- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 28 13 18 56
--------------- --- --- --- ---
Voting Intention
----------------
Absolutely/ Probably Will Not
Very Certain Will Vote
will Vote Vote (NET)
------------ --------- ---------
% %
--- ---
Democratic
candidate 37 37 25
---------- --- --- ---
Republican
candidate 39 37 11
---------- --- --- ---
Other 4 5 8
----- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 19 22 56
--------------- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 6
MIDTERM ELECTIONS - THREE-PARTY RACE
"If the election for the House of Representatives was being held today and all three were an option, who would you vote for?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Political Party Tea Party
--------------- ---------
Rep. Dem. Ind. Supporter Member
---- ---- ---- --------- ------
% % % % % %
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Democratic candidate 34 1 77 24 10 6
-------------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Republican candidate 22 57 1 16 39 23
-------------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Tea Party candidate 11 20 2 15 27 56
------------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 33 22 20 45 23 15
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 6B
MIDTERM ELECTIONS - THREE-PARTY RACE - VOTING INTEREST AND INTENTION
"If the election for the House of Representatives was being held today and all three were an option, who would you vote for?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Voting Interest
---------------
Extremely/
Very Not
Interested Interested
(NET) Interested (NET)
----------- ---------- -----------
% % % %
--- --- --- ---
Democratic
candidate 34 36 36 24
---------- --- --- --- ---
Republican
candidate 22 29 26 10
---------- --- --- --- ---
Tea Party
candidate 11 19 16 4
---------- --- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 33 16 22 62
--------------- --- --- --- ---
Voting Intention
----------------
Will
Absolutely/ Probably Not
Very Certain Will Vote
will Vote Vote (NET)
------------ --------- -----
% %
--- ---
Democratic
candidate 38 37 28
---------- --- --- ---
Republican
candidate 25 24 12
---------- --- --- ---
Tea Party
candidate 14 13 2
---------- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 23 26 58
--------------- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 7
TEA PARTY FAMILIARITY
"How familiar are you with the Tea Party Movement?"
Base: All U.S. adults
March May June August
2010 2010 2010 2010
---- ---- ---- ----
% % % %
--- --- --- ---
Familiar (NET) 76 85 86 86
-------------- --- --- --- ---
Very familiar 15 22 20 20
------------- --- --- --- ---
Somewhat familiar 39 44 48 44
----------------- --- --- --- ---
Not that familiar 22 19 18 22
----------------- --- --- --- ---
Not familiar (NET) 24 15 14 14
------------------ --- --- --- ---
Not at all familiar 16 10 11 11
------------------- --- --- --- ---
Never heard of 8 5 4 3
-------------- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 8
TEA PARTY SUPPORT
"Do you support or oppose the Tea Party Movement?"
[Asked of all adults excluding those who are "not at all familiar" or "have never heard of" the Tea Party Movement]
Base: All U.S. adults
March May June Aug Political Party
2010 2010 2010 2010 ---------------
Rep. Dem. Ind.
---- ---- ----
% % % % % % %
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Support (NET) 33 38 37 38 70 13 42
------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Strongly support 14 18 16 15 34 5 12
---------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Somewhat support 19 20 22 23 36 8 30
---------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Oppose (NET) 23 30 31 29 5 51 31
------------ --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Somewhat oppose 9 11 11 11 4 14 15
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Strongly oppose 14 19 19 18 1 37 16
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 20 17 17 19 18 20 16
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not asked/Not familiar at
all/ Never heard of 24 15 14 14 8 16 11
------------------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 9
TEA PARTY MEMBER
"Would you describe yourself as a member of the Tea Party?"
[Asked of all adults excluding those who are "not at all familiar" or "have never heard of" the Tea Party Movement]
Base: All U.S. adults
May June Aug Political Party
2010 2010 2010 ---------------
Rep. Dem. Ind.
---- ---- ----
% % % % % %
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Yes 10 8 7 17 1 6
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
No 75 77 79 76 83 83
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not asked/Not
familiar at all/
Never heard of 15 14 14 8 16 11
----------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,775 adults surveyed online between August 9 and 16, 2010 by Harris Interactive.
The November Elections
One of the stories of this election season so far has been Democratic disenchantment and Republican enthusiasm. Looking at two simple factors - voting interest and voting likelihood - shows this story continues as the summer ends. While over half of Americans (53%) say they are absolutely certain they will vote in the November elections, that numbers goes up to 63% for Republicans and only to 55% for Democrats. Interest shows a similar trend. Three in five Americans (60%) say they are interested in the House of Representatives election this year. Looking at it by party, seven in ten Republicans (71%) say they are interested versus 56% of Democrats.
Tea Party supporters are the most enthusiastic. Seven in ten of those who are Tea Party supporters (70%) and three-quarters of those who consider themselves a Tea Party member (77%) say they are absolutely certain to vote. They are also more likely to be interested in the election. Eight in ten Tea Party supporters (79%) and 88% of Tea Party members say they are interested in the House of Representative election this year.
This enthusiasm is showing itself in a tight race for the House. One-third of Americans say they would vote for the Democratic candidate (34%) and one-third say they would vote for the Republican candidate (33%) with over one-quarter still undecided (28%). Looking at just those who say they are absolutely or very certain to vote this November, the edge goes to the Republicans, as 39% say they will vote for them with 37% saying they will vote for the Democratic candidate. And, among those who are extremely or very interested in this year's election, the Grand Old Party could see a landslide as almost half of these people (47%) say they would vote Republican compared to 35% who would vote for the Democrat.
But, if there is a Tea Party candidate in the race, things look better for the Democrats. In a three way race, 34% of Americans would vote for the Democrat, 22% would vote for the Republican and 11% would vote for the Tea Party candidate with one-third (33%) undecided. When looking at interest and likelihood to vote, the edge remains with the Democrats in the three-way race. Among those absolutely or very certain to vote, 38% would vote Democrat, 25% Republican and 14% for the Tea Party candidate. Among those extremely or very interested to vote, 36% would vote Democrat, 29% would vote Republican and 19% would vote for the Tea Party candidate.
So What?
The 2010 midterm elections are entering the final phase. Once Labor Day is over, the fall election cycle is in full swing. So far this year, 6 incumbents have lost in primaries around the country. Other incumbents have survived close calls. The electorate is disgruntled, but what happens over the next nine weeks will help decide two important factors. First, who will actually turn out to vote on November 2nd? And, more importantly, who are they voting for?
TABLE 1
CONGRESS' OVERALL JOB RATING
"How would you rate the overall job Congress is doing?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Political Party
---------------
Rep. Dem. Ind.
---- ---- ----
% % % %
--- --- --- ---
POSITIVE 15 5 27 11
-------- --- --- --- ---
Excellent 2 * 4 *
--------- --- --- --- ---
Pretty good 14 5 22 11
----------- --- --- --- ---
NEGATIVE 85 95 73 89
-------- --- --- --- ---
Only fair 35 24 48 32
--------- --- --- --- ---
Poor 49 71 25 57
---- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding; * signifies less than 1%.
TABLE 2
CONGRESS' OVERALL JOB RATING - TREND
"How would you rate the overall job the Congress is doing?"
Base: All U.S. adults
TREND Positive* Negative**
--------- ----------
% %
--- ---
2010 August 15 85
---- ------ --- ---
June 14 86
---- --- ---
May 15 85
--- --- ---
April 16 84
----- --- ---
March 10 90
----- --- ---
Jan. 16 84
---- --- ---
2009 Dec. 17 83
---- ---- --- ---
Oct. 16 84
---- --- ---
Sept. 19 81
----- --- ---
Aug. 22 78
---- --- ---
June 25 75
---- --- ---
March 29 71
----- --- ---
2008 October 10 86
---- ------- --- ---
August 18 77
------ --- ---
June 13 83
---- --- ---
February 20 76
-------- --- ---
2007 December 17 79
---- -------- --- ---
October 20 77
------- --- ---
April 27 69
----- --- ---
February 33 62
-------- --- ---
2006 September 24 73
---- --------- --- ---
May 18 80
--- --- ---
February 25 71
-------- --- ---
January 25 72
------- --- ---
*Positive = excellent or pretty good. **Negative = only fair or poor.
Note: Prior to March, 2009, this question was asked by telephone.
TABLE 3
Voting Likelihood
"An election for the House of Representatives will be held on November 2nd. How certain are you that you will vote?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Political Party Tea Party
--------------- ---------
Rep. Dem. Ind. Supporter Member
---- ---- ---- --------- ------
% % % % % %
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Will Vote 80 88 84 81 92 92
--------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Absolutely
certain I will
vote 53 63 55 51 70 77
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Very certain I
will vote 14 14 14 17 13 11
-------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
I probably will
vote 12 10 15 13 8 3
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Will Not Vote 13 7 10 13 5 4
------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
I probably will
not vote 7 5 6 6 3 3
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
I am certain I
will not vote 6 2 4 7 2 1
-------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not sure if I
will vote 7 5 6 6 3 5
------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 4
ELECTION INTEREST
"How interested are you in the House of Representatives elections this year?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Political Party
---------------
Rep. Dem. Ind.
---- ---- ----
% % % %
--- --- --- ---
Interested 60 71 56 63
---------- --- --- --- ---
Extremely interested 22 32 21 43
-------------------- --- --- --- ---
Somewhat interested 20 21 17 18
------------------- --- --- --- ---
Interested 18 17 18 25
---------- --- --- --- ---
Not Interested 40 29 44 20
-------------- --- --- --- ---
Somewhat interested 25 21 30 37
------------------- --- --- --- ---
Not interested at all 15 8 14 25
--------------------- --- --- --- ---
Tea Party
---------
Supporter Member
--------- ------
% %
--- ---
Interested 79 88
---------- --- ---
Extremely interested 38 48
-------------------- --- ---
Somewhat interested 25 23
------------------- --- ---
Interested 17 17
---------- --- ---
Not Interested 21 12
-------------- --- ---
Somewhat interested 16 4
------------------- --- ---
Not interested at all 5 8
--------------------- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 5
MIDTERM ELECTIONS - TWO-PARTY RACE
"If the election for the House of Representatives was being held today, would you vote for the Republican or the Democratic candidate?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Political Party Tea Party
--------------- ---------
Rep. Dem. Ind. Supporter Member
---- ---- ---- --------- ------
% % % % % %
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Democratic
candidate 34 2 77 23 12 10
---------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Republican
candidate 33 82 2 26 67 73
---------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Other 5 2 1 12 5 6
----- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 28 15 19 39 16 11
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 5B
MIDTERM ELECTIONS - TWO-PARTY RACE - VOTING INTEREST AND INTENTION
"If the election for the House of Representatives was being held today, would you vote for the Republican or the Democratic candidate?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Voting Interest
---------------
Extremely/
Very Not
Interested Interested
(NET) Interested (NET)
----------- ---------- -----------
% % % %
--- --- --- ---
Democratic
candidate 34 35 35 24
---------- --- --- --- ---
Republican
candidate 33 47 42 12
---------- --- --- --- ---
Other 5 5 5 9
----- --- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 28 13 18 56
--------------- --- --- --- ---
Voting Intention
----------------
Absolutely/ Probably Will Not
Very Certain Will Vote
will Vote Vote (NET)
------------ --------- ---------
% %
--- ---
Democratic
candidate 37 37 25
---------- --- --- ---
Republican
candidate 39 37 11
---------- --- --- ---
Other 4 5 8
----- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 19 22 56
--------------- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 6
MIDTERM ELECTIONS - THREE-PARTY RACE
"If the election for the House of Representatives was being held today and all three were an option, who would you vote for?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Political Party Tea Party
--------------- ---------
Rep. Dem. Ind. Supporter Member
---- ---- ---- --------- ------
% % % % % %
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Democratic candidate 34 1 77 24 10 6
-------------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Republican candidate 22 57 1 16 39 23
-------------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Tea Party candidate 11 20 2 15 27 56
------------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 33 22 20 45 23 15
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 6B
MIDTERM ELECTIONS - THREE-PARTY RACE - VOTING INTEREST AND INTENTION
"If the election for the House of Representatives was being held today and all three were an option, who would you vote for?"
Base: All U.S. adults
Total Voting Interest
---------------
Extremely/
Very Not
Interested Interested
(NET) Interested (NET)
----------- ---------- -----------
% % % %
--- --- --- ---
Democratic
candidate 34 36 36 24
---------- --- --- --- ---
Republican
candidate 22 29 26 10
---------- --- --- --- ---
Tea Party
candidate 11 19 16 4
---------- --- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 33 16 22 62
--------------- --- --- --- ---
Voting Intention
----------------
Will
Absolutely/ Probably Not
Very Certain Will Vote
will Vote Vote (NET)
------------ --------- -----
% %
--- ---
Democratic
candidate 38 37 28
---------- --- --- ---
Republican
candidate 25 24 12
---------- --- --- ---
Tea Party
candidate 14 13 2
---------- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 23 26 58
--------------- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 7
TEA PARTY FAMILIARITY
"How familiar are you with the Tea Party Movement?"
Base: All U.S. adults
March May June August
2010 2010 2010 2010
---- ---- ---- ----
% % % %
--- --- --- ---
Familiar (NET) 76 85 86 86
-------------- --- --- --- ---
Very familiar 15 22 20 20
------------- --- --- --- ---
Somewhat familiar 39 44 48 44
----------------- --- --- --- ---
Not that familiar 22 19 18 22
----------------- --- --- --- ---
Not familiar (NET) 24 15 14 14
------------------ --- --- --- ---
Not at all familiar 16 10 11 11
------------------- --- --- --- ---
Never heard of 8 5 4 3
-------------- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 8
TEA PARTY SUPPORT
"Do you support or oppose the Tea Party Movement?"
[Asked of all adults excluding those who are "not at all familiar" or "have never heard of" the Tea Party Movement]
Base: All U.S. adults
March May June Aug Political Party
2010 2010 2010 2010 ---------------
Rep. Dem. Ind.
---- ---- ----
% % % % % % %
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Support (NET) 33 38 37 38 70 13 42
------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Strongly support 14 18 16 15 34 5 12
---------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Somewhat support 19 20 22 23 36 8 30
---------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Oppose (NET) 23 30 31 29 5 51 31
------------ --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Somewhat oppose 9 11 11 11 4 14 15
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Strongly oppose 14 19 19 18 1 37 16
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not at all sure 20 17 17 19 18 20 16
--------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not asked/Not familiar at
all/ Never heard of 24 15 14 14 8 16 11
------------------------- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Note: Percentages may not add up to 100% due to rounding
TABLE 9
TEA PARTY MEMBER
"Would you describe yourself as a member of the Tea Party?"
[Asked of all adults excluding those who are "not at all familiar" or "have never heard of" the Tea Party Movement]
Base: All U.S. adults
May June Aug Political Party
2010 2010 2010 ---------------
Rep. Dem. Ind.
---- ---- ----
% % % % % %
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Yes 10 8 7 17 1 6
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
No 75 77 79 76 83 83
--- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Not asked/Not
familiar at all/
Never heard of 15 14 14 8 16 11
----------------- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Applications for FirstEnergy Math, Science and Technology Education Grants Available
MORRISTOWN, N.J., Aug. 25 - FirstEnergy Corp.'s New Jersey operating company - Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) - is again offering mathematics, science and technology grants to educators and youth group leaders. The grants - available to teachers in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 - support classroom projects and teacher professional development initiatives. The deadline to apply for a grant is Monday, September 20, 2010.
Any creative project dealing with math, science and technology is eligible, but projects that will be given priority should: focus on electricity and electricity production; improve, advance and enrich student learning; be flexible and appropriate for the targeted stage of student development; range from formative ideas that explore learning concepts to fully tested models that are ready to be adopted and disseminated; and enable networking, mentoring, interdisciplinary or team-teaching as well as teacher training and professional development.
"Skills in math, science and technology are important for success in everyday life and in the workforce," said Dennis O'Boyle, JCP&L vice president of External Affairs. "Our grant program provides educators with support for creative projects and programs that help stimulate learning by involving students directly, all while having fun."
The grants of up to $500 are awarded annually in areas served by FirstEnergy companies or where the company has facilities. In New Jersey, grant applicants, schools or programs must be located within the JCP&L service area, or where FirstEnergy has power plants to qualify. To obtain applications or for more information, visit the FirstEnergy website at www.firstenergycorp.com/community/education/grants and click on Education Grants. Completed applications and supporting documents, including a W-9 form, should be mailed to:
FirstEnergy Corp.
Community Involvement Department
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308
FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services. Its seven electric utility operating companies comprise the nation's fifth largest investor-owned electric system, based on 4.5 million customers served within a 36,100-square-mile area of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey; and its generation subsidiaries control more than 14,000 megawatts of capacity.
Any creative project dealing with math, science and technology is eligible, but projects that will be given priority should: focus on electricity and electricity production; improve, advance and enrich student learning; be flexible and appropriate for the targeted stage of student development; range from formative ideas that explore learning concepts to fully tested models that are ready to be adopted and disseminated; and enable networking, mentoring, interdisciplinary or team-teaching as well as teacher training and professional development.
"Skills in math, science and technology are important for success in everyday life and in the workforce," said Dennis O'Boyle, JCP&L vice president of External Affairs. "Our grant program provides educators with support for creative projects and programs that help stimulate learning by involving students directly, all while having fun."
The grants of up to $500 are awarded annually in areas served by FirstEnergy companies or where the company has facilities. In New Jersey, grant applicants, schools or programs must be located within the JCP&L service area, or where FirstEnergy has power plants to qualify. To obtain applications or for more information, visit the FirstEnergy website at www.firstenergycorp.com/community/education/grants and click on Education Grants. Completed applications and supporting documents, including a W-9 form, should be mailed to:
FirstEnergy Corp.
Community Involvement Department
76 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308
FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services. Its seven electric utility operating companies comprise the nation's fifth largest investor-owned electric system, based on 4.5 million customers served within a 36,100-square-mile area of Ohio, Pennsylvania and New Jersey; and its generation subsidiaries control more than 14,000 megawatts of capacity.
Washington Indian Gaming Association Scholarship Program for 2010
OLYMPIA, Wash., Aug. 25 - The Washington Indian Gaming Association (WIGA) recently awarded $50,000 in scholarships to 33 Native American students who come from or attend school in Washington State. WIGA, a non-profit organization of tribal governments, runs a scholarship program for tribal members pursuing higher education degrees.
"The number of tribal members seeking higher education is increasing every year and we are especially pleased to be able to help them," said WIGA chairman, W. Ron Allen. "In addition to the scholarships awarded by WIGA, individual tribal governments around the state provide many more scholarships."
WIGA is a non-profit organization of Washington tribal governments that educates the public about Indian gaming and runs a scholarship program for tribal members pursuing higher education degrees.
Community College Scholarship Winners ($1,100 each)
-- Ashlee Abrahamson, Colville; Walla Walla Community College, WA
-- Shallee Graff, Port Gamble S'Klallam; Northwest Indian College, WA
-- Pamela George, Navajo; Clark College, WA
-- Delsen Lauderback, Lower Elwha Klallam; Peninsula College, WA
-- Tanner Loe, Colville; Bellevue Community College, WA
-- Francisco Orozco, Colville; Mesalands Community College, AZ
-- Sandra Parker, Makah; Peninsula Community College, WA
-- Rachel Phair, Lummi; Northwest Indian College, WA
-- Daniel Romero, Lower Elwha Klallam; Everett Community College, WA
University or College Scholarship Winners ($1,500 each)
-- Alana Best, Colville; Washington State University, WA
-- Angelena Campobasso, Colville; Eastern Washington University, WA
-- Sarah Donahue, Jamestown S'Klallam; University of Oregon, OR
-- Mary Lindeblad-Fry, Colville; Reed College, OR
-- Jaison Elkins, Muckleshoot; University of Colorado, CO
-- Tootie James, Quinault; University of Washington, WA
-- Tristen James, Tlingit and Haida; University of Washington, WA
-- Alyssa London, Tlingit; Stanford University, CA
-- Lacey London, Tlingit; University of Oregon, OR
-- Electra Magnuson, Tlingit and Haida; University of Washington, WA
-- Michael Peters, Squaxin Island; Southern Oregon University, OR
-- David Prince, Jamestown S'Klallam; University of Washington, WA
-- Anthony Rascon, Makah; University of Washington, WA
-- Lauren Smith, Skokomish; Stanford University, CA
-- Asia Tail, Cherokee; University of Chicago, IL
-- Latisha Toby, Lummi Nation; Western Washington University, WA
Graduate Program Scholarship Winners ($2,000 each)
-- Jodi Davis, Karuk/Seneca; Masters in Social Work, University of
Washington, WA
-- Khia Grinnell, Jamestown S'Klallam; J.D., Arizona State University, AZ
-- Toni Jefferson, Lummi Nation; Master of Business Administration,
Western Washington University, WA
-- Nancy Johnson, Colville; Masters of Arts, Heritage University, WA
-- Anthony Jones, Port Gamble S'Klallam; J.D., Washington University Law
School St. Louis, MO
-- Katrina Walsey, Yakama Nation; Master of Arts, Heritage University, WA
-- Rochelle Warner, Quileute; J.D., University of Washington, WA
-- Spusman Wilder, Colville; Masters in Forest Resources at the
University of Washington, WA
For more information about the WIGA Scholarship program, call 360-352-3248 or visit www.washingtonindiangaming.org.
Contact: Ernie Stebbins
(360) 352-3248
estebbins@reachone.com
"The number of tribal members seeking higher education is increasing every year and we are especially pleased to be able to help them," said WIGA chairman, W. Ron Allen. "In addition to the scholarships awarded by WIGA, individual tribal governments around the state provide many more scholarships."
WIGA is a non-profit organization of Washington tribal governments that educates the public about Indian gaming and runs a scholarship program for tribal members pursuing higher education degrees.
Community College Scholarship Winners ($1,100 each)
-- Ashlee Abrahamson, Colville; Walla Walla Community College, WA
-- Shallee Graff, Port Gamble S'Klallam; Northwest Indian College, WA
-- Pamela George, Navajo; Clark College, WA
-- Delsen Lauderback, Lower Elwha Klallam; Peninsula College, WA
-- Tanner Loe, Colville; Bellevue Community College, WA
-- Francisco Orozco, Colville; Mesalands Community College, AZ
-- Sandra Parker, Makah; Peninsula Community College, WA
-- Rachel Phair, Lummi; Northwest Indian College, WA
-- Daniel Romero, Lower Elwha Klallam; Everett Community College, WA
University or College Scholarship Winners ($1,500 each)
-- Alana Best, Colville; Washington State University, WA
-- Angelena Campobasso, Colville; Eastern Washington University, WA
-- Sarah Donahue, Jamestown S'Klallam; University of Oregon, OR
-- Mary Lindeblad-Fry, Colville; Reed College, OR
-- Jaison Elkins, Muckleshoot; University of Colorado, CO
-- Tootie James, Quinault; University of Washington, WA
-- Tristen James, Tlingit and Haida; University of Washington, WA
-- Alyssa London, Tlingit; Stanford University, CA
-- Lacey London, Tlingit; University of Oregon, OR
-- Electra Magnuson, Tlingit and Haida; University of Washington, WA
-- Michael Peters, Squaxin Island; Southern Oregon University, OR
-- David Prince, Jamestown S'Klallam; University of Washington, WA
-- Anthony Rascon, Makah; University of Washington, WA
-- Lauren Smith, Skokomish; Stanford University, CA
-- Asia Tail, Cherokee; University of Chicago, IL
-- Latisha Toby, Lummi Nation; Western Washington University, WA
Graduate Program Scholarship Winners ($2,000 each)
-- Jodi Davis, Karuk/Seneca; Masters in Social Work, University of
Washington, WA
-- Khia Grinnell, Jamestown S'Klallam; J.D., Arizona State University, AZ
-- Toni Jefferson, Lummi Nation; Master of Business Administration,
Western Washington University, WA
-- Nancy Johnson, Colville; Masters of Arts, Heritage University, WA
-- Anthony Jones, Port Gamble S'Klallam; J.D., Washington University Law
School St. Louis, MO
-- Katrina Walsey, Yakama Nation; Master of Arts, Heritage University, WA
-- Rochelle Warner, Quileute; J.D., University of Washington, WA
-- Spusman Wilder, Colville; Masters in Forest Resources at the
University of Washington, WA
For more information about the WIGA Scholarship program, call 360-352-3248 or visit www.washingtonindiangaming.org.
Contact: Ernie Stebbins
(360) 352-3248
estebbins@reachone.com
More Health Care Cost Shifting in 2011, Says Aon Consulting
CHICAGO - As the national unemployment rate continues to hover around 10 percent, health care costs for those jobless Americans have seen a year-over-year increase, according to Aon Consulting, the global benefits and human capital consulting business of Aon Corporation.
Aon Consulting surveyed 1,079 employers nationwide in its 2010 Benefits Survey, and found an increase in monthly COBRA* contributions for terminated employees. Specifically, the average monthly cost for employee-only HMO coverage for a terminated worker is $429 this year, compared to $399 for the same coverage in 2009. For employee plus family, the former employee is paying $1,251 a month this year, compared to $1,171 per month last year. As for PPO coverage, the average monthly cost for employee only is $449 in 2010, compared to $439 in 2009, and for employee plus family, the cost tops out at a monthly average of $1,310 this year, versus $1,275 last year.
"The increased frequency and duration of COBRA use is creating a significant strain on the program, leading to higher costs," said John Zern, executive vice president and Health & Benefits Practice director with Aon Consulting. "Those who are unemployed, and facing uncertainty about employment prospects and future COBRA availability, are utilizing the program more than we've traditionally seen to treat a variety of conditions prior to potentially losing coverage. This coupled with the high unemployment rate, is placing the COBRA program in a unique and unprecedented position."
As for current employees, they can expect to shoulder more of the expense related to health coverage in 2011, according to this survey. In fact, 65 percent of employers plan to increase cost sharing next year for things such as deductibles, co-pays and out-of-pocket maximums. What's more, 57 percent of companies say they will ask employees to contribute more for the overall cost of health care in 2011. The amount of cost sharing implemented by employers varies. On plan design (e.g., deductibles, co-pays and out-of-pocket maximums), 46 percent of employers are shifting costs to employees equal to the overall renewal increase, while an additional 46 percent are shifting costs to workers that are less than the overall renewal increase. For overall health plan cost, 40 percent of employers say the additional worker contributions will be equal to the 2011 renewal increase, and 49 percent indicate that workers will be asked to pay less than next year's renewal increase.
"We believe the new health reform law will increase health care costs by 2 percent to 4 percent during the next three years," said Tom Lerche, senior vice president with Aon Consulting. "In addition, we expect to see new costs related to excise taxes and potential cost shifting from reductions in Medicare reimbursement to providers, which will be on top of existing long-term medical trend inflation. These factors will lead many employers to consider increased employee contributions for health coverage, as well as plan design cost sharing."
* COBRA - refers to the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, and includes provisions for members of company health plans who have lost their coverage due to a "qualifying event" to continue coverage at the employee's expense for a period of time.
Aon Consulting surveyed 1,079 employers nationwide in its 2010 Benefits Survey, and found an increase in monthly COBRA* contributions for terminated employees. Specifically, the average monthly cost for employee-only HMO coverage for a terminated worker is $429 this year, compared to $399 for the same coverage in 2009. For employee plus family, the former employee is paying $1,251 a month this year, compared to $1,171 per month last year. As for PPO coverage, the average monthly cost for employee only is $449 in 2010, compared to $439 in 2009, and for employee plus family, the cost tops out at a monthly average of $1,310 this year, versus $1,275 last year.
"The increased frequency and duration of COBRA use is creating a significant strain on the program, leading to higher costs," said John Zern, executive vice president and Health & Benefits Practice director with Aon Consulting. "Those who are unemployed, and facing uncertainty about employment prospects and future COBRA availability, are utilizing the program more than we've traditionally seen to treat a variety of conditions prior to potentially losing coverage. This coupled with the high unemployment rate, is placing the COBRA program in a unique and unprecedented position."
As for current employees, they can expect to shoulder more of the expense related to health coverage in 2011, according to this survey. In fact, 65 percent of employers plan to increase cost sharing next year for things such as deductibles, co-pays and out-of-pocket maximums. What's more, 57 percent of companies say they will ask employees to contribute more for the overall cost of health care in 2011. The amount of cost sharing implemented by employers varies. On plan design (e.g., deductibles, co-pays and out-of-pocket maximums), 46 percent of employers are shifting costs to employees equal to the overall renewal increase, while an additional 46 percent are shifting costs to workers that are less than the overall renewal increase. For overall health plan cost, 40 percent of employers say the additional worker contributions will be equal to the 2011 renewal increase, and 49 percent indicate that workers will be asked to pay less than next year's renewal increase.
"We believe the new health reform law will increase health care costs by 2 percent to 4 percent during the next three years," said Tom Lerche, senior vice president with Aon Consulting. "In addition, we expect to see new costs related to excise taxes and potential cost shifting from reductions in Medicare reimbursement to providers, which will be on top of existing long-term medical trend inflation. These factors will lead many employers to consider increased employee contributions for health coverage, as well as plan design cost sharing."
* COBRA - refers to the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, and includes provisions for members of company health plans who have lost their coverage due to a "qualifying event" to continue coverage at the employee's expense for a period of time.
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