Economic Woes Cause Strickland's Ratings to Plummet in Ohio

By CQ-Roll Call Staff | July 3, 2009 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

First-term Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland is looking increasingly vulnerable in 2010 especially if the economy stays in the tank, according to a Quinnipiac University poll conducted June 26 - July 1.

Strickland's favorable-to-unfavorable ratio stands at 42 percent to 37 percent in the current poll compared to 53 percent to 25 percent in May. His job approval rating is down to 46 percent to 42 percent compared to 57 percent to 29 percent in May. Voters say by 40 percent to 34 percent that, so far in his administration, he has not kept his campaign promises. They disapprove of his handling of the economy by 53 percent to 33 percent and of the state budget by a similar margin.

Matched up against former Sen. Mike DeWine in a general election, Strickland is statistically tied with the Republican at 41 percent to 40 percent with 15 percent undecided. He does marginally better against former Rep. John Kasich, who has announced his candidacy, leading him 43 percent to 38 percent with 16 percent undecided. The margin of error is 2.8 points.

"The lousy economy and its impact on any politician's ability to deliver the goods have taken their toll on governors throughout the nation and now Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland is feeling the heat," said Quinnipiac's Peter A. Brown. "Strickland's extremely sharp drop-off in so short a time reflects growing public frustration. Voters don't see the economy improving and have decided that after almost three years in office they should start holding Ted Strickland at least partially responsible."

Kasich has caught up to DeWine among registered Republicans if the two face each other in a primary. Kasich now leads 36 percent to 32 percent with 29 percent undecided compared to May when DeWine had the upper hand by 35 percent to 23 percent.

To follow the 2009 and 2010 governors' races, check out CQ Politics' election map.

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