Missouri Republicans are taking some comfort in an American Viewpoint poll conducted for the state GOP earlier this month. The survey, taken March 12th-14th, shows an improvement in Governor Matt Blunt’s approval ratings. The poll finds 53 percent of those surveyed approve of the job the Governor is doing, while 41 percent asked disapprove.
Asked their mood about the state, 51 percent of those polled say things in the state are headed in the right direction. 42 percent surveyed say things are going in the wrong direction.
At the same time, a SurveyUSA poll of 600 adults on Governor Blunt’s job performance found 40 percent approve of the job he is doing, while 55 percent disapprove. The survey was conducted March 9th-11th for KCTV-TV in Kansas City.
Missouri Republican Party Executive Director Jared Craighead explains the differences in the two polls, saying the American Viewpoint survey is a more accurate indication of the mood of the electorate because it verifies those responding to the questions are registered voters, while the SurveyUSA poll does no such verification. Craighead adds the SurveyUSA does not reflect Missouri’s demographic makeup because it oversamples the number of Democrats and union households.
The bottom line, according to Craighead, is that Republicans believe more and more Missouri voters approve of how Governor Blunt is running the state.