This is Politics, Not a Popularity Contest. Just Kidding.

By Margaret Lyons in News on May 28, 2004 7:52PM

Governor Rod Blagojevich's approval rating has fallen to 40 percent, according to a poll released today by the Tribune. The most significant losses came from two of the most important blocs of voters, too: women and independents (throw your hands up at meeee). Blagojevich once enjoyed favorable ratings in the 50s with disapproval around 27; in the most recent poll, 36 percent of respondents disapproved of his performance as governor.

"The poll-conscious Blagojevich has, in the past, viewed his high approval ratings as a mandate for change from voters cynical over corruption and cronyism. But the latest numbers suggest his tactics are backfiring and more of the public is buying into critics' complaints that Blagojevich is more interested in political posturing than bringing about change."

The most interesting results of the poll surface when it's contrasted with a poll from February:

Democrats satisfied with his performance:
Then: 66%
Now: 52 %
Women satisfied with his performance: (contain giggles)
Then: 57%
Now: 37%
Independents satisfied with is performance:
Then: 53%
Now: 38%
Approval rating in Chicago and Cook County:
Then: 62 %
Now: 44 %

Poor, sad, Governor Ro-Blag. Well, at least he didn't have a relationship with a druglord he thought was The One.
Also on the governor's desk today is a bit of drama over an article attributed to him in May 17's issue of The Sporting News. In the ghost-written column, a final draft of which was approved by Blagojevich staffers, the 'governor' says he "wouldn't wear a White Sox cap even if they made the World Series." He's a big Cubs fan, but he totally donned South Side gear when he threw out the first pitch last season. And this poor guy keeps getting his Blagojevich sign burned down. Shit is busy today in Springfield.