Pollsters from the Pew Research center found that 37 percent of Republicans are "very happy"; compared to only one quarter of Democrats, and 20% of Democrats call themselves "not too happy", compared to single digit findings among GOP respondents.
But when we put the question - in our own UNscientific survey - to people in Lakewood, they didn't buy that party affiliation has anything to do with happiness.
Democrat Jenisha Sanders said happiness, is apolitical.
Jenisha Sanders: "I'm happy yes, I'm breathing every day, I have a family, a good support system, so yeah, I'm happy. I have some problems yes, but overall I'm happy."
Republican business owner Gary Galauner says he couldn't' be happier, with a two month son old at home.
Gary Galauner: "What's to say Republicans are more happy than Democrats? Happy family means most everything else is happy. I own this business here, so things are going well. I don't think there's a reason why one's more happy than the other."
Pew researchers say in the 36 years they've been doing the survey, democrats have been happier when their party holds the presidency. More Republicans are happy in OR out of power, the researchers say, because of a higher financial standard of living.
But all that's lost on Democratic travel agent Kris Mishik.
Kris Mishik:
"I don't see people as two separates, I think everybody's equal when it comes to happiness"
And Mishik says she's plenty happy, thank you.
Rick Jackson - 90.3
