---
title: "Palin Endorsement Could Hurt in November"
description: "Nearly four-in-ten Americans say they would be less inclined to vote for a congressional candidate supported by Sarah Palin."
date: "2010-08-10"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2010/08/10/palin-endorsement-could-hurt-in-november/"
---

# Palin Endorsement Could Hurt in November

Congressional candidates may want to think twice before soliciting the help of Sarah Palin on the campaign trail — that is, unless they’re running in a Republican primary. Nearly four-in-ten say they would be less inclined to vote for a congressional candidate supported by the former Alaska governor. Another four-in-ten say her support would make no difference, while 18% say Palin’s campaigning would make them more likely to support a congressional candidate. Among independents, roughly twice as many say they would be less likely to vote for a Palin-backed candidate (36%) as say they would be more likely (15%). About half of independents (47%) say Palin’s support would make no difference to their vote. Democrats overwhelmingly view Palin’s influence negatively; 58% say they would be less likely to vote for a candidate with Palin’s support.Still, Palin could help among the GOP faithful; 41% of Republicans say Palin’s help on the campaign would make them more likely to vote for a congressional candidate. [Read More](https://www.pewresearch.org/pubs/1686/effect-campaign-on-congressional-vote-earmark-obama-palin-tea-party)