Schwarzenegger poll numbers reach new low; Legislature does even worse

Both Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Legislature recorded dismal approval ratings in the latest Field Poll.

The poll found that 27% of respondents approved of the governor's performance, marking a new low for him. Schwarzenegger's disapproval rating reached a new high, 65%, according to the poll.

By contrast, a Field Poll in September 2004 showed the governor with a 65% approval rating and 22% disapproval rating.

The Legislature fared even worse compared with the governor. The poll found that 13% of respondents approved of the Legislature's performance, while 78% disapproved.

"Voters’ current 78% disapproval rating of the legislature is the lowest ever obtained by the Field Poll for that institution in measures dating back to 1983," the pollsters said in an analysis.

According to Field, the poll was based on a random sample survey of 1,005 registered voters in California and conducted between Sept. 18 and Oct. 5.

-- Shelby Grad

Comments

[Dutra]

He is a eunuch. waffler.

[TGI]

I wish Arnie would come out with a new movie and relax on politics.

[TGI]

I wish Arnie would come out with a new movie and relax on politics.

[West Valley Dave]

If this poll is a real reflection of how voters feel, why are these inept politicians constantly re-elected?

[djaymick]

These polls are meaningless unless the voters actually turn out and vote against the incumbants. However, I don't see any changes in the state. Isn't Brown actually leading in the gubernatorial polls? The same idiot who created most of this mess? Maybe Mexico will give us a good price for the state?

[John Williams]

The problem for the Governor is that he appears to be weak and cooperating with the Legislature. Nothing but empty veto threats and unwise choices as to which bills finally to approve.

[Robert G]

Solution:

Get RID of the ballot initiatives and let the representative government do it's job. Schwarzenegger is the 3rd governor in a row to be roundly condemned in his job.

Ballot initiatives have tied the legislature's hands with regard to taxation AND spending. Mob rule is no substitute for representative government.

[Mark Fender]

These poll numbers are about the same as what the rest of the country thinks about the State of California! We don't need any more of your refugees in Texas.

[Jim]

Mark,

I wish you would come and take all your texans home with you.

[tonyspdx]

Does this surprise you? Arnie and all his merry politicians are running your state into the ground. But Californians are too stupid to see it. They are systematically removing all your civil rights. This will continue, because you are blind. Californians are like the battered wife that keeps coming back to the abusive husband. Try breaking the mold of electing politicians that just tell you what you want to hear. It doesn’t matter if you elect a Democrat or a Republican; they are one in the same in California. They all have personal agendas in California. I don’t know if you can fix this problem you have. Maybe you should break the mold and elect somebody completely different. Who? I don’t know. I am afraid that your insane politics will spill into my state.

[Thomas46]

Wow, who'd a thought people in California wouldn't love a train wreck?

Oh yeah, the same people who thought the $4 billion choo-choo was a good idea.

Mama says, "Stupid is as stupid does"

[David]

Arnie, just give the people what they want. Fix the budget, Create jobs and Legalize marijuana. We need someone that can cut through the red tape and make things happen. People want change!!

[Douglas]

The headline makes it sound like it's all Schwarzenegger's fault. It isn't. It is the electorate of California's fault. They voted for him and they voted for the legislators they profess to dislike.

I lived in California for 15 years. I liked it there. But it decided it liked the idea that it was liberal and progressive and I left. I left because the cost of everything was going up and the only answer was more taxes, higher prices, and more wackiness.

I did my part. I left. You want California to improve? Vote for the challenger in every election for the next few election cycles. I guarantee things will change for the better in less than 4 years.

[Havoc]

Thats because the whole state of California is sick of these rip off idiotic politicians screwing over the working man. Hopefully Ca will wake up nd replace all these losers who have done nothing for this state!

[Mark Johnson]

Seems most of the people in this state are from somewhere else. It also seems that most of these people don't consider this to BE their state, or maybe they'd get of their duffs and vote.

@Fender: Funny, I thought all the refugees were from every other state, and I can't count how many TX plates I see on the road every day. We need to close those TX borders off.

[damien]

this is what happens when yo uelect a movie star to Govern. Stupid.

[Dan]

The state of politics in California is a reflection of the quality of voter in this state. You have idiots voting, and you wonder why they elect idiots. You can't always pander to special interests, you can't spend more than you make, and you can't get angry at a Republican governor who deals with a Democrat senate. Arnold has done a good job with what he was handed, and who he has to work with.

[hapa]

Agree! another meaningless poll....

a - the politicians don't care about PUBLIC opinion polls , they're in bed with the lobbyists...how about a poll of lobbyists on how they think our legislators are doing? now that will be a meaningful poll (it'll probably be very high!!)

b - another example of the stupidity of CA voters when it comes time to vote, b'cos as someone noted, why are these idiots constantly re-eleted if the numbers are conastantly so low?....the lesser of two+ idiots to choose from? absent mindedness? fear of change? voting along party lines just for the sake of voting along party
lines...

so so meaningless...

[Rex]

If you think folks think poorly of your state government you should see what they think of the person who you sent to represent you at the federal level.
That has now become a joke. Airplne pelosi, babblin boxer, fastbuck feinstein
worthless wax man - yes indeed you folks are batting 1000.
I assume the censor -moderator - will keep the press only for the socialists and no one else will ever see this.

Amendment #1 goes into the tank thanks to those it protects.

[david young]

its time for voters of california to pass referendum to redistrict the voters block;

any time if budget does not pass; in timely fashion; automatic redistricting kicks in;

[Bruce]

It does not matter who's in power. They will not be able to govern effectively, because they are too concerned with their own reelection and too busy scratching everyone else's back: their friends and cohorts, and lining their own pockets.

[Jorge Rodriguez]

Whatever made the Californians that voted for this Nazi clown think he could govern?? Absolutely ridiculous

[Dr. Peter]

You all going down, people. We Californian's have had more than ENOUGH! Good riddance to lazy, self-interested, bribe accepting California State Legislators.

[Village Idiot]

This is what happens when you put an Actor in the office.... hehe Jessie Ventura probably would do better that the Terminator.

I cant wait for the next election. I will pray that we get a better Governor this time who is not an Actor (not that smart) or a Business person (sided mostly with capitalist not the people).

[Jerry N. Soriano]

Well, if voters can push to get rid of the 2/3 legislative vote and vote a majority like most of the other states, then something can be done to improve the economical climate. But, the key after that,
is to come out with a justifiable way of raising revenue to pay for California needs
and the expense required. Most Californians
agree with this, except the anti tax people
who could get re-elected again and lose out
to the majority vote. Things will get done
in that projected scenario. Many things...