While there has been a dramatic shift in the way Americans view the economy, George W. Bush's overall job approval ratings remain unchanged from a month ago according to the latest survey from the American Research Group. Among all Americans, 42% approve of the way Bush is handling his job as president and 52% disapprove. When it comes to Bush's handling of the economy, 38% approve and 54% disapprove.

Among Americans registered to vote, 42% approve of the way Bush is handling his job as president and 53% disapprove, and 38% approve of the way Bush is handling the economy and 55% disapprove.

The latest Rasmussen Reports survey shows that Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum is living up to his reputation as the most vulnerable incumbent at this point in the 2006 election cycle. Santorum trails Democrat Bob Casey, Jr by eleven percentage points, 52% to 41%.

Casey is viewed favorably by 49% of the state’s likely voters while 27% have an unfavorable opinion. For Santorum, 44% say favorable and 43% unfavorable.

Casey earns 85% of the vote from self-identified liberal voters and 62% from moderates. Santorum currently attracts 66% of the conservative vote.

Typically, Republicans do better among married voters. However, at the moment, Santorum attracts 41% of married voters and 40% from those who are not married.

Among voters who Approve of the job President Bush is doing, just 70% say they will vote for Santorum. Early in Election 2004, several Republican candidates had relatively low levels of support from Bush voters. However, as Election Day approached, their support from Bush voters increased dramatically. This phenomenon helped elect Republicans in Oklahoma and Alaska. The President is significantly more popular in those states than he is in Pennsylvania.

Posted by: Jonathan Singer / 6:26 PM | Basie! Home