Poll: Majority of voters want Limbaugh fired

A majority of Americans say that conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh should be off the air after he called a Georgetown University law student a "slut" and a "prostitute" over her support for contraception, according to a recently released poll. An even larger majority said that birth control should not be part of the national political debate at all.

In a survey of likely voters, Bloomberg found that 53 percent -- including 56 percent of women and 49 percent of men -- thought Limbaugh should be fired. Nearly one-third of Republicans believed it was time for the conservative icon to step down.

In a statement on his website early this month, Limbaugh said he “sincerely” apologized to Sandra Fluke, who he disparaged after she testified before Congress about the need for contraception coverage at colleges and universities, even if they are owned by religious institutions.

The U.S. Army is among 141 advertisers that have pulled out of Limbaugh's radio show since the controversy began.

A majority of likely voters told Bloomberg that the issue of contraception was about women's health instead of religious liberty. Women, at 68 percent, were 11 points more likely than men to view the issue that way.

Overall, 77 percent -- regardless of their view on the issue -- said contraception should not even be a part of the national dialog.

The survey also found that President Barack Obama holds a slight four point lead over Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney among women. Obama's lead grew to nine points when compared with GOP hopeful Rick Santorum.

Democrats were seen favorably by 49 percent of female voters, while only 44 percent held a favorable view of Republicans.

A Washington Post survey released on Monday found that Democrats were perceived as caring more about issues that are important to women by 25 points, 55 percent to 30 percent.