Poll shows Obama and Arlen Specter’s standing declining in Pennsylvania

Arlen SpecterJust in time for Obama’s State of the Union address comes news out of Pennsylvania that the people of that state have turned against him, according to a new poll posted by The Times-Tribune. According to the poll Obama’s job approval rating among state residents is at the lowest of his presidency, and residents view him less favorably than ever. The poll also shows U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter far ahead of his challenger for the Democratic nomination, U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak. Both badly trail Republican former Rep. Pat Toomey.

40 percent believe they are financially worse off than a year ago compared to 10 percent who think they are better off. About half believe they stand the same.

- 29 percent of state residents said health care will be the most important issue in their vote for senator followed by 24 percent who cited economic issues, jobs and bailouts.

- 26 percent said economic issues and jobs will be uppermost in their minds as they vote for governor. Taxes ran second at 13 percent.

- 53 percent believe the state is on the wrong track, 39 percent on the right track. Those numbers are actually better than an October poll when 60 percent said wrong track, 32 percent right track. The improvement could reflect the resolution of the state budget standoff, which had just concluded when the October poll was taken, Dr. Madonna said.

As for Mr. Specter, who switched from Republican to Democrat last April, the poll shows many Democrats have yet to warm up to him. Half said they don’t know enough about either Mr. Specter or Mr. Sestak.

Among registered Democrats, Mr. Specter remained well ahead of Mr. Sestak – 30 to 13 percent, a wider lead than his 12-point October edge. Mr. Specter was also viewed favorably by 35 percent and unfavorably by 43 percent compared to 28 percent favorable, 46 percent unfavorable in October.

His other poll numbers are less encouraging.

Among all registered voters, Mr. Specter was tied with Republican former Rep. Pat Toomey at 30 percent with 35 percent saying they don’t know whom to support. Mr. Specter was up by 8 percentage points in an August poll.

But among 395 likely voters, Mr. Toomey led Mr. Specter 45 to 31 percent. Mr Toomey led Mr. Sestak by 41 to 19 percent. The pool of likely voters had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.

Six in 10 voters think it is time for a new senator.

“That’s normally an extraordinarily bad sign for incumbents,” Dr. Madonna said.

Chris Nicholas, Mr. Specter’s campaign spokesman, declined to comment.

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January 27, 2010 · Filed Under 2010 Elections


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