7/14/11 – Governor Scott Walker blames his low public approval rating on people’s frustrations with the national economy – and not on the contentious issues the state’s been dealing. Walker also said he would not let polls determine the way he governs. The first U-W Madison Badger Poll of the year was released yesterday. And 59-percent of the 556 adults surveyed disapproved of the Walker’s performance so far. That’s nine points higher than June during Democrat Jim Doyle’s lame duck year as governor. Walker’s approval rating is 37-percent – one point lower than Doyle’s in his final summer. That follows a major slate of action in which Walker approved limits on public union bargaining and concealed weapons. The Republican-controlled Legislature is not getting rave reviews, either. Only 39-percent approve of what they’re doing. And voters apparently don’t think Democrats are providing a breath of fresh air, as only 45-percent approve of their performance so far. Walker’s right when he says people are down on the economy. 81-percent said Wisconsin’s in bad economic times, a few points less than a year ago. But the percentage of folks who think the economy will improve over the next year remained the same as a year ago at 29-percent, despite the state’s heavy emphasis on creating jobs.
