"Cutting my taxes, securing our border. That's my AZ GOP."
--Bumpersticker

(Well, one out of two is still half a loaf...)

In a news release today, the Arizona Republican Party used a Kenski/HighGround poll question to suggest that its stance in favor of a (temporary) tax increase is popular with voters:

http://www.azgop.org/news.asp?artid=87&z=2

Sharp readers will notice that the Kenski/HighGround poll question did not break down the amount of the tax increase into per-family or per-household figures.

In our AFP Arizona poll, when we let respondents know that the increase would be over $300 per household, we got very different results. 62 percent of respondents in Phoenix were opposed to the tax, and 64 percent in Glendale. Opposition to tax increases crossed party lines, with 47 percent of self-identified “strong Democrats” in Phoenix opposed, and 52 percent in Glendale.

http://www.americansforprosperity.org/032609-afp-arizona-releases-poll-results-likely-voters-oppose-tax-increases

And then there's another poll from Rasmussen, showing 65 percent of respondents opposed to a tax hike. Reporter Howie Fisher summarizes the dueling polls here:

http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/137363

Near the end, Fisher cites the AZ GOP spokesman:

Brett Mecum, the party’s executive director, admitted that the survey included several other alternatives to making up the $1 billion shortfall. But GOP Mecum refused to make the results of that public, saying the only information the party wants out — at least right now — is that there is support for Brewer’s plan.

Also, for a great laugh, check out Espresso Pundit's take on the situation:

http://www.espressopundit.com/
(Scroll down to "Invasion of the Body Snatchers")