Grumpy Old Partisans

As would be expected with their party out of power in Congress, most Republicans have no love for candidates running as incumbents this year. Older Republicans, however, also have little need for candidates with prior elected experience or with plans to compromise. Among Republicans ages 65 and older, 43% say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who has never held elective office compared with 29% who say no experience would make them less likely to support a candidate. By comparison, as many Republicans younger than age 50 would be less likely to vote for a candidate with no experience (27%) as would be more likely (28%). The difference between younger and older members of the GOP is even more stark on the question of compromise. Republicans older than age 65 weigh in against compromise; 45% say they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who will compromise with people they disagree with while just 18% are more likely to back a compromiser. In contrast, a plurality of young Republicans (42%) are more likely to support a candidate who will compromise. A quarter of young Republicans (26%) would be less likely to back a compromiser. Republicans between the ages of 50 and 64 split over compromising candidates (37% more likely; 41% less likely). Read More