Republicans accuse Backus of ‘push polls’

State senate candidate Bob Backus: Campaign PhotoThe Manchester City Republican Committee is accusing state senate candidate Bob Backus (D-Manchester) of conducting "push polls" against his rival, state Sen. Ted Gatsas (R-Manchester)

The Republicans are also requesting that the Attorney General and the Secretary of State investigate the polls.

"It's disheartening to learn that the Democrats and Mr. Backus have already resorted to cheap political tricks," Will Infantine, chairman of the Manchester Republicans, said in a statement. "Push polls are illegal in New Hampshire and Mr. Backus and his party must be held accountable."

Backus confirmed the poll but said the poll does not violate the law.

"Everything in that poll in terms of the questions is accurate and we have documentation," Backus told The Union Leader. "It's to permit me to find out what the public is thinking about our race and our issues so we can appropriately tailor our approach."

According to Infantine the polls were conducted by Opinion Factor, based out of Utah, and the calls originated from Warnick, Rhode Island.

He said the polls should be considered "push polls" because the poll was conducted on behalf of Backus and violated other state law requirements for polls.

Voters were asked if they were more or less likely to vote for Gatsas or Backus based on their stances on various policies.

One question included, "agree/disagree: mandate seat belts, CACR for Ed funding, expand Seabrook, tax cap."