His numbers still suck, but the Governor is sucking less than he was in middle and late 2005,
42% Approval
but the problem still is
53% Disapproval
Good signs for him are that his African-American and Latino ratings are doing better both hitting 70% approval.
Bad news for Eisendrath, 62% approval amongst Democrats—that’s much better than Bob Holden was doing in Missouri when Claire McCaskill beat him. That isn’t necessarily good news for Blagojevich in the general, but it is something to build upon. His independent numbers are in the crapper with 31% approval. Partisan break down is Republican 25%, Democrat 43%, Independent 31%.
A bit low on the Republicans, though with the serious problems the party has, regular Republican voters might be claiming independent status.
What is fascinating to me is the comparison to Michigan–Michigan is less blue than Illinois, but Granholm has been pretty consistently around Blagojevich’s numbers for the last several months. Interestingly, she is considered a fairly safe bet for reelection even with crappy approval ratings. Some of that is she’s probably facing a bad Republican candidate, but the parallels are interesting for those who claim Blagojevich is toast.
I have many, many criticisms of the current Governor, his situation isn’t as dire as many predict. Certainly Topinka offers a particular challenge to him both on gender and choice. However, the rest of the Republican field is weak in a general election contest.
His numbers do make him vulnerable because they are bad for a sitting Governor, but the similar tracking with Michigan has to make one wonder if the larger political and economic climate in states that had heavy manufacturing as an important part of the economy aren’t facing similar challenges. While those of us who follow politics obsessively tend to try and pinpoint moves to particular instances, most voters don’t follow that closely what the Governor does from day to day. He is vulnerable, but his situation isn’t as dire as many like to think.
Good points.
I think Granholm is an interesting comparison but she does have a few differences to deal with. DeVos is a well funded candidate with lot’s of name recognition. The family has spread a lot of money around the state over the years. The GOP in MI is in far, far better shape than in Illinois. They’ve been able to drive the debate on Michigan’s poor economic performance and lay it at her feet. When’s the last time the IL GOP launched a billboard campaign?
I would also add she sided with environmentalists over snowmobilers last year. Snowmobiles are how people get around in Northern Michigan. They drive them to work, in fact, according to a friend who served up there with USAF. That’s one of those symbolic issues that suggests she is out of touch.
Blagojevich doesn’t give that, “out of touch” vibe Granholm does. The Illinois economy is pulling itself (even the state govt. has weighed it down) up and in absolute terms (what voters vote on) the economy is doing better in Illinois. State dems can send thank yous to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. I also think MI presents a much greater challenge (as you said, it’s more purple than Illinois).
I would argue that Blagojevich is in much better shape. Indictments could kill him, but in the areas of the economy, being “in touch” and having a weaker opposition he has an easier row to hoe.
IMPORTANT .. pass it along …
Quote from Bush in 2004 —
“A wiretap requires a court order,” President Bush declared in a statement in 2004. He added, “When we’re talking about chasing down terriorists, we’re talking about getting a court order when we do so. It’s important for our fellow citizens to understand [that] constitutional guarantees are in place… because we value the Constitution.”
Well, I heard Eisendrath on WBBM radio here in Chicago. Basically he argued for cuts in property taxes and increases in school spending. The reporter asked him a half dozen times how he intended on doing this. Eventually he said something to the effect of, everything’s on the table.
I came away thinking, ‘business as usual’. He’s going to have to do better than this, way better, if he thinks he’s going to be a credible alternative to Blaggy.
Also, on Blaggy and corruption — if the guy did something wrong, then indict his ass. If not, enough already. How many years of this do we have to go through without it starting to sound like an Illinois version of Whitewater?
“Also, on Blaggy and corruption — if the guy did something wrong, then indict his ass. If not, enough already. How many years of this do we have to go through without it starting to sound like an Illinois version of Whitewater?”
George Ryan committed his crimes while Sec. of State and it wasn’t until after he left the Governorship until he was indicted. It wasn’t until the the current Governor’s third year in office before Ryan went to trial. These things take years.
“Also, on Blaggy and corruption — if the guy did something wrong, then indict his ass. If not, enough already. How many years of this do we have to go through without it starting to sound like an Illinois version of Whitewater?”
George Ryan committed his crimes while Sec. of State and it wasn’t until after he left the Governorship until he was indicted. It wasn’t until the the current Governor’s third year in office before Ryan went to trial. These things take years.
The indictment against Ryan found a “pattern of corruption” going back at least 10 years. For this to apply to Blagojevich, they’d have to prove he already had his hand in the till while representing the 5th CD in Congress.
All they have to cover with Blaggy is his 3 years as governor. That’s a whole lot less than Ryan’s 12 years first as Sec. of State and then Gov. If there’s something there, you’d figure it’d take proportionately less time to ferret it out.
I think Blago could be a great governor…if he actually started governing like a Democrat instead of governing like he’s been knee-capped.
This is from the poll that had Rauschenberger on top for the Republicans.
Great track record.