Doyle’s Approval Ratings at All-Time Low
The Wisconsin Survey Center, an offshoot of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Political Science Department, finds that Governor Jim Doyle’s approval rating has plummeted by eight points in the last six months. In February 2010, Governor Doyle’s approval rating stood at a paltry 46%, but by July 2010, his approval rating had dipped to an all-time low of 38%. The Wisconsin Survey Center contends that Doyle’s plummeting approval ratings are largely a result of the lofty unemployment rate and the state’s perilous economic condition. Governor Doyle, according to the Public Policy Polling Institute, is among the nation’s most unpopular governors. In fact, only five governors—Deval Patrick (D-MA), John Baldacci (D-ME), Pat Quinn (D-IL), Bill Richardson (D-NM), and the scandal-laden Mark Sanford (R-SC)—have lower approval ratings than Jim Doyle. Of these, all but Patrick are certain to have left office by the end of 2010. Governor Doyle’s pitiable approval ratings, coupled with a high unemployment rate, threaten liberals’ electoral fortunes in 2010.
With the Wisconsin economy hurting badly, voters are hastily becoming dismayed with Governor Doyle’s policies. Since the Left seized both houses of the state assembly in 2006, that body has done very little in the way of improving the state’s dour economic situation. In fact, the legislature and Governor Doyle have instigated policies that have curbed economic recovery. For instance, the state legislature has increased property taxes and corporate tax rates and implemented a statewide smoking ban. These policies were never intended to enhance the state’s economic situation. Rather, Governor Doyle and liberal lawmakers sought to drive home the liberal agenda and foment their political capital.
Wisconsin voters are keenly aware of the aforementioned policies and their effects on the state’s economy. All indications are that the 2010 gubernatorial, state Senate and state Assembly races are going to be a referendum on the liberal agenda, and Governor Doyle’s policies. Recent polls indicate that Wisconsin voters are most concerned about the economy, the state’s soaring unemployment rate, and taxes. On each of these issues, Republican candidates are defeating their Democratic opponents by a three-to-one margin. If the Wisconsin Survey Center poll tells us anything, it is that voters are angry with the Doyle administration’s economic policies.
Economic recovery is still a long way off. If Wisconsin is to overcome this economic predicament, leaders must make income tax cuts, corporate tax cuts, business incentives, spending cuts, and a balanced budget initiative their foremost priorities in the months and years to come. Economic growth is dependent on opportunity, entrepreneurism and free market capitalism, not excessive government regulation. If Wisconsinites are serious about improving the state’s economic health, it is paramount that they elect candidates that espouse free market principles and a pro-business agenda. Wisconsin ought to model itself after Virginia and New Jersey, both of which found themselves in similar economic predicaments last year but swiftly recovered as a result of the policies implemented by their reform-minded governors, Chris Christie and Bob McDonnell. Both New Jersey and Virginia were running massive budget deficits, had an exorbitant unemployment rate, and were mired in a dreadful economic recession. The election of reform-minded, no-nonsense conservative governors in November 2009 has brought about a renewed sense of prosperity. Governors McDonnell and Christie have cut spending, balanced their state budgets, and significantly decreased the unemployment rate in their respective states. If Wisconsin follows the policies implemented by these states, it too can improve its squalid economic predicament. The 2010 statewide elections will be instrumental in determining the fate of the Badger State. If politicians push forth pro-free market and pro-business solutions, Wisconsin will once again become an engine of vibrancy.
The Wisconsin portion of the Weekly Political Forecast is authored by PAI’s Political Analyst.
