In a state that gave America its 2008 Republican presidential candidate and regularly elects conservative policy makers, a snapshot survey of 950 Arizona teenagers indicates that they are leaning decidedly left.

Among the results of a survey released today: 75 percent support giving illegal immigrants a chance to become citizens, 72 percent believe global warming is long-term and human-caused, and 65 percent say women have a right to choose abortion. Greater legal restrictions on gun ownership get a nod from 56 percent.

Although nearly half report that religion plays an important role in their lives, half also agree religious faith isn't necessary to live a moral life and nearly 60 percent say religion should not play a large role in public policy.

Arizona State University's Morrison Institute surveyed young people ages 13 to 19. Although not a scientific poll, the written survey is a large sampling, a good snapshot of the kids surveyed and reflects a national trend, said Fred Solop, a Northern Arizona University political scientist.

"There is greater liberalization taking place on these greater issues," said Solop, adding that he thinks this young generation will hang on to their politically left leanings. "People are socialized into their thinking about the broader world in their teen years, and they tend to hold onto those attitudes, with some variations, as they age."

As people age and enter the job market and pay taxes, their political opinions on financial matters are more likely to change than their social attitudes, said Margaret Kenski, a political pollster based in Tucson. Social attitudes change with each generation, she said.

"There's greater exposure to different media and different ideas, and you would have more acceptance of abortion, you would certainly have more acceptance of a gay American, and you'd also be raised in an atmosphere that was more ethnically diverse than one your parents came from," Kenski said of today's teenagers.

Those surveyed were born from 1990 to 1996. Most remember the shooting deaths of 12 students and a teacher at Colorado's Columbine High School in 1999, the attack on the World Trade Center and the invasion of Iraq, as well as the introduction of the iPod, Xbox, iTunes, MySpace and YouTube.

The survey also indicates that these teens understand they are living in deeply troubled economic times but are steeped in American optimism and have high educational expectations.



��Most agree students should pass the high-school AIMS exam before they get a diploma, and 88 percent said a college education is essential to their future.



��Only 16 percent chose "bad schools" as the No. 1 problem facing Arizona, overwhelmingly choosing the weak economy, followed by crime and poverty.



��Although 64 percent reported that most of what they are learning in school is worthwhile, the teens agreed there are plenty of ways to make their schools better. At the top of their list: a better selection of courses, smaller classes and better teachers. Most teens blame parents for not encouraging or requiring students to finish high school.



��Nearly 60 percent chose "a job you enjoy" and "a happy family" as essential to a good life. Only 20 percent said lots of money. Only 4 percent saw "celebrity" as their ticket to happiness.

The dark side of Arizona life for teens is buried in the minority responses.

One in three of the kids surveyed reported not trusting neighbors, and the same percentage reported his or her family lacks money to live comfortably. One in four teens doesn't feel safe walking in his or her neighborhood at night.

The entire report will be available Wednesday at www.morrisoninstitute .org.

Reach the reporter at pat.kossan@arizonarepublic.com.