* Rod Blagojevich is now the least popular governor in the country, according to Rasmussen Reports…
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich continues to earn poor ratings from voters. This month, just 13% of Illinois voters give him good or excellent ratings, while 60% give him a poor rating. Blagojevich ranks as “Least Popular Governor” according to Rasmussen Reports By the Numbers.
[Emphasis added]
Another 26 percent rated his performance as “fair,” so using the traditional ratings method, we get 86 percent “negative”.
That compares to President Bush’s Illinois rating of 26 percent positive and 57 percent poor [with 17 percent saying he’s doing a “fair” job].
* Toplines are here.
* More from the poll…
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin is currently cruising towards re-election in his home state. The Democrat leads Republican challenger Steve Sauerberg 61% to 27% in the latest Rasmussen Reports poll in the Prairie State.
When “leaners” are included Durbin leads 63% to 28%.
The incumbent leads by over thirty points among both men and women in Illinois. Durbin is backed by 93% of Democrats and 19% of Republicans. Sauerberg’s support comes from just 68% of Republicans and 4% of Democrats. Among unaffiliated voters, Durbin leads 52% to 24%.
* Meanwhile, this is somewhat odd…
Senator Barack Obama leads John McCain 50% to 37% in his home state of Illinois, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state. When “leaners” are included, Obama leads 52% to 41%.
As in many states, Obama has a strong lead among women in Illinois, but not among men. He leads 55% to 35% among women, but just 43% to 40% among male voters. […]
Most (56%) Illinois voters see getting the troops home from Iraq as more important than winning the war while 35% disagree and think winning the war is more important.
Fifty-seven percent (57%) favor drilling in offshore oil wells to ease gas prices, while 32% are opposed. Forty-eight percent (48%) of voters think it is at least somewhat likely that gas prices will decline if this practice is allowed, while 41% find this outcome unlikely.
…Adding… Considering the president’s numbers, it’s not surprising that a Bush fundraiser for Aaron Schock will not include a public appearance…
President George W. Bush is coming to Peoria on July 25 for a fundraiser for state Rep. Aaron Schock, a candidate for the 18th Congressional District.
The $500-per-person event will be at a private residence. Couples will have the opportunity to take photos with the president for $4,600. No public appearance is planned.
LIVE session coverage...
- How Ironic - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 3:36 pm:
13% Huh. By any measure, that’s a landslide. After all, when he lost a vote 0-107 it was considerd a rousing success (to Blago).
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 3:39 pm:
Maybe he should parley these numbers into more special sessions.
- The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 3:46 pm:
The Governor doesn’t pay attention to these polls. He’s too busy doing the peoples work.
- Macbeth - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 3:46 pm:
I can’t source this comment, but I swear I remember reading something — probably in early 2003 — that Blagojevich claimed that he and Schwarznegger were the two most popular governors in the nation.
It was in reference to Blagojevich poo-poo’ing his “management” style. As in: “Look, I can do what I want. I’m …”
Anyway. That comment — for a variety of reasons — has stuck in my mind.
- Macbeth - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 3:48 pm:
BTW — I’m sure Blagojevich wears this as a badge of honor.
“I must be doing something right if so many people oppose me!”
It’s an up day when a poll shows support like this!
- The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 3:53 pm:
The new spokesperson will claim no such poll ever took place.
- How Ironic - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:00 pm:
Listen, this Gov knows the “truth”, and he has nothing to fear.
- One of the 35 - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:04 pm:
The Governor should call the pollsters and tell them how “ridiculous and stupid” they are for taking such a poll. That seemed to work last week.
- Vote Quimby! - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:07 pm:
He knows the truth and has nothing to fear but the truth.
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:07 pm:
Sounds right to me.
Even the Obama/McCain numbers aren’t surprising.
- Steve - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:09 pm:
Blago could care less.Seniors with free bus passes make great jurors.
- bluedog demo - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:15 pm:
Who are those that give Big B a 26% favorable rating and 13% to Little b. Now they are the true ” believers ” . Both are sad !
- Princeville - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:16 pm:
hey, VQ, did you see the Blago quote in the SJ-R in the Ryan Keith article this afternoon? “Unfortunately, there shouldn’t have to be a war” when talking about the CP. Hopefully that’s out of context somehow. As it appears , our conflict loving governor is disappointed there’s not a larger fight?
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:28 pm:
Let’s face it, since 1964, the majority of white men have had a problem with Democratic candidates for president. Obama’s, um, historic uniqueness, shall we say, adds to that, even in Illinois.
I think Obama will win Illinois with 55% to 60% — a landslide by any measure. Presidential elections are played between the 40 yard lines, as you see both candidates run to the center as quickly as they can.
My question regarding Rod is: Who are these 13%?
- wordslinger - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:46 pm:
Wait a minute — the President of the United States is coming to Peoria and he won’t make a public appearance? That’s just wrong.
I don’t care how unpopular he is, he ought to show his face. There are kids who would love to have a chance to see the president. And there are plenty of folks down there who supported him over the years that he should publicly thank on his way out the door.
To sneak in and out for Aaron Schock is… unpresidential.
I covered Reagan a few times, and when he was confronted safe within the presidential bubble by protesters, he would wave and give them the sweetest smile you ever saw. Some of them would wave and smile back despite themselves.
Different man, different times, I guess.
- anon - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:49 pm:
The 13% are probably his donors and employees.
- Northern Lights - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 4:49 pm:
I just want to say that if someone is that low in the polls he should be out of office. Obviously he is not doing his job… If it was any of the rest of the population we would have been FIRED a long time ago. To do these things that he has done to the people in the State of Illinois is a disgrace. I am an employee of the state making under $30,000 a year. I just got my head above water and now he wants to drown me. I’ve been on the bread line before and dont want to go back, but the way it’s looking he’s taking us all there.
- Old IDOTer - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 5:03 pm:
Blagojevich has single-handedly ruined so many state agencies it’s beyond repair.
Even when you participate with other states for various reasons they just shake their heads in disbelief.
Unfornately we are stuck with Blago!
- anonymous - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 5:12 pm:
It just goes from bad to worse. What else did you expect from this bunch & supried how long it took to realize it.
- Muskrat - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 5:19 pm:
I think him being the least popular governor in the USA is just an indication of the fact that people in other countries haven’t gotten to know him yet.
- fedup dem - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 5:29 pm:
How did he end up with that high a figure? The pollsters ought to double-check their numbers, because 13% sounds too high for Gov. Sleazy.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 5:33 pm:
Muskrat, too funny.
- Plutocrat03 - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 5:46 pm:
We’re number one, We’re number one!!! Darn
We’re number last, We’re number last………..
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 5:52 pm:
If you can’t get the PR being the best….
- Old IDOTer - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 6:07 pm:
How do you spin this, oh ya it was Win Win Win day. Back to the BUNKER!
- Up the Medication - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 6:17 pm:
Sounds like a trip to Ravenswood’s local drugstore.
- Ghost - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 6:35 pm:
But 13 is a lucky number!!!
And Cross thougth it would be good to stand on stage and be counted with the Gov. Apparently the fallout from associating with Ryan was not bad enough for the republican party, they have to follow that up with associating with the most despised Gov in the US!
- David - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 6:55 pm:
You need to spin this the right way - he’s not the LEAST popular, he’s the MOST unpopular. See, he’s the best…
- tunes - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 7:01 pm:
I too am a state employee (29 years) and have seen first hand the downsizing of an agency-DHS. A sad state of affairs to say the least; substandard care being given to the citizens of this great state due to being understaffed. We’re just a figment of what we used to be able to perform/ do on a daily basis. Can’t wait to retire! If Rod would’ve lost I may have stayed on a little longer, but not now! The whole system is a mess thanks to him and his cronies.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 7:18 pm:
Phil Gramm’s obviously been busy blowing votes for McCain. Nice.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 7:22 pm:
But then again, if one’s being blamed for the imaginery subprime meltdown, one might just go into a state of denial.
- DumberThanUThink - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 9:29 pm:
Blagoof least popular and StatewideTom rants FOR him…The GOPs downward spiral continues, but the pace seems to be quickening. Cannot wait for Chairman Andy’s next release…TeeeeHeeee
- steve schnorf - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 9:44 pm:
At different times, Churchill was extremely unpopular in England, and Lincoln in the United States. I’m not comparing Governor Blagojevich to them, I’m just saying unpopular doesn’t per se mean wrong.
- jerry 101 - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 10:03 pm:
Maybe Bush should skip the Schock fundraiser and meet up with Blago. The least popular President in the history of polling and the least popular governor in the nation…
…Best Friends Forever?
- Commander Cody - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 10:18 pm:
Steve, you beat me to it: that’s how Rod is going to play this up tomorrow: that he, like the other Great Men, will not be appreciated until much later. That polls are meaningless, we lack his Vision and he’s got his eyes on a Greater Good, and if that means he has to be misunderstood, well, history will vindicate him…. gack(just threw up a little in my mouth)
My Daddy said: “Rod, you’re gonna drive me to drinkin’ if you don’t stop comparing yourself to old Abe Lincoln!”
Rich, perhaps you can counterpoint this story with a youtube clip of Rod from his anti-Topinka ad… the one where he’s resting under a big old tree and musing out loud at how ridiculous the Topinka claims are… “…that I’m the worst person in the WORLD! Come on, let’s get real!”
That clip cracks me up every time I see it now.
- Sweet Polly Purebred - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 10:28 pm:
To bad the gov doesn’t know where Peoria is. What a great photo op. I can see the headlines now: “Twins seperated at birth reunited - pictures at 11:00!”
- Sweet Polly Purebred - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 10:31 pm:
BTW - Maybe the could find a nice little bunker around there to share as their “pied-à-terre”?
- I was the kid in that Model A - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 10:41 pm:
Commander: Not only are you correct–I now cannot get the song out of my head.
Also, I think it was “Pappy” not “Daddy.”
Whatever. “Hot Rod Lincoln” and its predecessor record “Hot Rod Race” are more important to the fabric of this state and nation than Governor “Hot Rod” will ever be.
Future generations will not appreciate him; rather, they will hate him more.
If that’s possible.
- Not So-Hot Rod - Thursday, Jul 10, 08 @ 10:49 pm:
Just saw Eric Zorn’s site…
…and taking 25% of Attorney General Madigan’s budget away is petty, irresponsible, stupid and potentially dangerous.
Just because a Governor has a 3rd-graders’ hair style–does he have to act like he is in 3rd grade?
- anonymous - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 5:46 am:
Steve S. I respect you & your comments…but “not being popular..doesn’t mean wrong” ? Perhaps not in every case IE: Lincoln & Churchill…but we all know the story with this guy. Blago..for the record your not Lincoln or Churchill. High or low % or not…he’s screwed up & people are noticing.
- DumberThanUThink - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 6:07 am:
OMG read the SJ-R puff piece. 37 minutes and they don’t why he pushes a gambling bill opposed by both Chicago and the casinos, why he dropped the POBs, why he thinks the budget is balanced even with his own $800 million hole, when will he release the MOUs already signed.
Apparently they just listened to his rant about Madigan. What a disappointment. Where’s Kelly Smith when we need him.
- wordslinger - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 6:46 am:
Dumber, that was quite a puff piece. Here’s a question:
Why did Tony Rezko, an unpaid private citizen, have such a powerful personnel role in your administration? What was in it for you, what was in it for him?
Where IS Kelly Smith?
- Dan S, a voter and Cubs Fan - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 7:05 am:
With those kind of poll numbers when Fitz finally indicts the madman how will they find an impartial jury?
- Ghost - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 7:10 am:
25% cut to AG madigans budget! well at least he does not disappoint with purely vindictitive cutting. Why not put a sign on his head daring the house to impeach him!
I wonder if Jones is going to block the votes on restoring her budget as well.
- Bookworm - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 7:22 am:
Who is (or was) Kelly Smith?
- DumberThanUThink - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 8:05 am:
Kelly was a TV reporter. Last update had him working in WI.
SJ-R probably promised not to ask about TR, Chris, Ata, Snyder and the other thugs who have pled or awaiting, but to pass on the key facts of the gambling plan ( i.e. City sez it sux, Casinos say it sux) is beyond mind boggling.
I am sure the excuse will be impressive.
- Really - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 8:06 am:
Why would anybody vote for Obama when he comes from the same political machine that gave us Blago, Jones, and Madigan. Obama wants to lead the nation but hasn’t done anything for the people he serves now.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 8:17 am:
Really, you’re exaggerating just a bit, don’t you think?
- wordslinger - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 8:17 am:
I trust Kelly’s working in TV — not video.
- Sweet Polly Purebred - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 8:43 am:
Wordslinger - AMEN to that!
- Rich Miller - Friday, Jul 11, 08 @ 8:52 am:
Enough about Smith. Move along or I’ll close this post.