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How Low Can They Go?

How Low Can They Go?

Approval Ratings for Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature Hit An All-time Low
Now that the Legislature is in recess for the 2009 session, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has just signed hundreds of bills into law, The Field Poll released its latest approval ratings for the governor and our elected state representatives. Citizens have weighed in, and the numbers are abysmal.
The Poll released on Monday found that 27 percent of voters approve of Schwarzenegger’s job performance, and 65 percent disapprove. Even lower, still, is the electorate's opinion of the state Legislature. Just 13 percent approve of lawmakers’ job performance and 78 percent disapprove – the worst since the Field Poll began keeping track in 1983.
The survey showed a growing frustration with the Democratic-controlled Legislature across all political affiliations, with 72 percent of registered Democrats expressing disapproval, 86 percent of Republicans, and 77 percent of nonpartisan registered voters.
"Right now the public is very frustrated with what the state is facing and the budget. The impact of the cuts is causing the drop," said Mark DiCamillo, director of the Field Poll. "The public also has the view that there is a lot of waste and inefficiency (in government), and that not enough has been done about it," he added.
Senator Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cucamonga, blamed the low marks on the Legislature's Democrat leaders and the Schwarzenegger administration, and what he called their indifference to growing the state's economy. "Too many legislators, and frankly, people in the governor's office, are just out of touch," he said.
Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear said: "It's clear the worldwide economic crash has affected all elected officials' poll numbers, even the president's."
In fact, according to the Field Poll, a large majority of Californians want to see lawmakers tackle two of the state’s most vexing problems in special sessions: 73 percent of respondents favor a special session to deal with California’s water woes, and 62 percent want a session dedicated to tax reform.
Even though Schwarzenegger supports water and tax policy overhauls, many analysts are skeptical that he can achieve such ambitious changes, especially with such low ratings.
According to the Field Poll, only one other governor has had lower job-approval ratings in the past 50 years. That was former Gov. Gray Davis in August 2003, just weeks before voters recalled him and elected Schwarzenegger.
Another factor for the low ratings of elected representatives may the obvious and intentional disregard for the will of the people they are sworn to serve.
Just last November the people voted to protect traditional marriage with the passage of Proposition 8. In response, the Democrat-controlled Legislature flexed its muscles, and on a strict party-line vote passed Senate Bill 54. Authored by Mark Leno, an openly homosexual state senator from San Francisco, SB 54 requires California to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages performed before November 5, 2008. This is in direct conflict with the state’s constitution and the obvious intent of people. The people rightly expected the governor to protect their vote and veto the bill. Instead, Gov. Schwarzenegger ignored the state’s majority of voters, sided with special interests, and signed SB 54 into law.
These poll numbers are a stinging indictment of the people we have elected to serve us. Voters share some responsibility in this circumstance, as we have neglected our role in holding elected officials accountable. Networks and coalitions across California are becoming active in the identification of candidates who share their values, and those same coalitions are submitting to education on how the electorate is to practice encouragement and exhortation with those elected. Stay tuned for more information as plans are underway.
 
 
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