How Republican governors could help Obama in 2012

[Derechos]

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Economic malaise is certainly disastrous for an incumbent, particularly when the best policy to rectify the problems (more stimulus) is off the table and a potentially destructive alternative (sharp budget cuts) is coming alive at precisely the wrong time. Things could get far worse before they start getting better.

But there is another indicator of Obama’s prospects, one that may boost his chances in the key swing states that will determine the 2012 electoral majority: the deep and growing unpopularity of the Republican governors and state legislatures.

Last November, the GOP was rejoicing in its sweeping electoral victories. The impressive wins in the House and the big gains in the Senate were, if anything, exceeded by the remarkable victories in the states. Republicans picked up their most seats in decades in legislatures and won key gubernatorial races.

Seven months later, however, things look rather different for the Republicans in governors’ mansions. In Michigan, Rick Snyder has only a 33 percent approval rating, with a hefty disapproval rating of 60 percent. Down in Florida, Rick Scott is at 29 percent approval and 57 percent disapproval. Ohio’s John Kasich has 33 percent and 56 percent, respectively. Wisconsin firebrand Scott Walker is right there at 43 percent approval and 54 percent disapproval.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/how-republican-governors-could-help-obama-in-2012/2011/06/08/AGSXtFPH_story.html