Poll: Gov. Snyder's Popularity Plummets
LANSING (WWJ) - A new poll finds that Gov. Rick Snyder is one of the most unpopular governors in the country.
The poll, taken after Snyder signed the right-to-work and emergency and emergency manager bills last week, shows only 38 percent of voters still approve the job the governor is doing; 56 percent disapprove. Tom Jensen of Public Policy Polling says that's a net 28 percent drop from the group's last poll.
The poll, in a hypothetical match up, also compared Gov. Snyder to four other prominent state Democrats.
"The Democrat who does the best is the 2010 (gubernatorial) candidate Virg Bernaro, who leads Snyder 49/38," said Jensen. "And that's really just a remarkable reversal. Snyder beat Bernero by 18 points last time."
The poll shows Snyder down 49/38 to Gary Peters, 46/38 to State Senator Gretchen Whitmer, and 44/39 to former Congressman Mark Schauer.
Jensen said there are only two other sitting governors who have lower ratings than Snyder, and the only state officials who fared worse in the poll were Republican state lawmakers.
Jensen said the Republicans in the state legislature are even more unpopular than Snyder following the fast-moving lame duck session. Only 31 percent of voters have a favorable opinion of them to 58 percent with an unfavorable one.
"We always ask this question: If there was an election today, would you vote for the Democrat or the Republican candidate for the legislature for your district. Right now the Democrats have a 24 point advantage on that question," which Jensen said is one of the most lopsided generic ballots ever seen in any state.
In terms of branding for a 2014 run, Jensen said Snyder may want to consider making a change. Only 32 percent of Michigan voters polled said they still consider him to be "one tough nerd."
There is some good news, though, for Snyder. Jensen said one thing Democrats should probably skip is a recall attempt. Only 44 percent of voters say they would vote to recall the governor, while 48 percent are opposed to a recall.
The poll also asked registered voters about the right-to-work law. More than 50 percent said they are opposed; 40 percent in favor.
Snyder's office released a statement saying the governor is focused on doing what's right for Michigan, not on polls.
