California voters still have a massive dislike for state lawmakers, even after a 61% leap in approval since March 2010 and a steady climb toward a lousy 29% approval rating, according to a USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll.
The Legislature’s approval rating was 18% in March 2010 and 21% in April 2011.
The poll, conducted September 17-23, sampled 1,504 registered voters about their views on a number of issues, including the propositions on the November 6 ballot, and none polled as badly as legislators. Their disapproval rating was 51%, and 19% of those polled didn’t know how they felt.
Even among those who approved of the lawmakers’ performance, the support was mushy. Only 5% strongly approved of their performance and 24% somewhat approved. The ratings were highly partisan, indicating a disenchantment with policy in addition to a disapproval of legislative process. Only 12% of Republicans gave lawmakers a thumbs up and 72% expressed disapproval. A much higher 41% of Democrats were supportive and 38% disapproved.
A racial breakdown showed 26% of whites approved of the lawmakers, compared to 47% of blacks and 37% of Latinos.
Governor Jerry Brown’s approval/disapproval ratings were 46% and 37%, respectively.
–Ken Broder
To Learn More:
Fewer than a Third of Voters Approve of Legislature, Poll Finds (by Michael J. Mishak, Los Angeles Times)