Poll: 57% of Voters Want IRS Offenders Jailed or Fired

A Rasmussen poll finds that 57% of voters think the IRS targeting of tea party and conservative organizations is politically motivated. Not surprisingly, the same number believe those involved should be jailed or fired. Only 16% of voters believe the targeting was coincidental.  

Moreover 55% of voters believe it is at least somewhat likely that President Obama or his top aides knew about the IRS targeting. 34% consider it unlikely that President Obama was aware. 68% of GOP voters believe it is very likely Obama knew about the targeting. 

The IRS occupies a unique position in the US Government. As the government’s tax collector, it is, in many respects, the nation’s chief law enforcement agency. The suggestion that any of its activities are politically motivated erodes the cornerstone of the public’s trust in government. 

The voters expect dramatic and decisive action against those who violated this trust. One or two resignations are not enough for the Obama Administration to fully address this crisis.