DeWine’s vulnerabilities are not simply reflective of the mood, however, but also show personal vulnerabilities. He is less well-known and less-popular than the state’s junior Senator, Republican George Voinovich. DeWine’s personal favorability rating, at 48 percent, is respectable, and a modest 25 percent are unfavorable, but 27 percent are unable to rate DeWine. Only 37 percent believe DeWine is doing a good job and 31 percent believe he deserves reelection, compared to a 42 percent plurality who prefer someone else.

DeWine’s ratings have fallen since February. At that time, 56 percent were favorable toward him, and his job performance rating was 45 percent positive with a 36 percent presumption in favor of his reelection. Slippage in DeWine’s reputation since February is concentrated among Republicans. Currently, only 20 percent of Democrats and 30 percent of independents believe DeWine deserves another term. Even among Republicans, the presumption in favor of DeWine’s reelection is below the 50 percent mark, at 46 percent. There is little question that he can be defeated in 2006.

Posted by: Jonathan Singer / 9:00 PM | Basie! Home