New Polling Spells Trouble for Target Dems

New Polling Spells Trouble for Heinrich

Heinrich’s Job in Trouble as Dem Approval, Pelosi Ratings Tank

Washington– Recent polling paints a grim picture for Martin Heinrich’s re-election prospects. After supporting his party boss Nancy Pelosi’s big-spending, tax-hiking agenda 96.5 percent of the time, Heinrich is facing a lot of trouble from his electorate in November. According to a recent NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, New Mexicans are growing weary of Democrats’ tired and failed policies.

“Less than a year after Inauguration Day, support for the Democratic Party continues to slump, amid a difficult economy and a wave of public discontent, according to a new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll.

“The findings underscored how dramatically the political landscape has changed during the Obama administration’s first year. In January, despite the recession and financial crisis, voters expressed optimism about the future, the new president enjoyed soaring approval ratings, and congressional leaders promised to swiftly pass his ambitious agenda.” (Peter Wallsten, “Democrats’ Blues Grow Deeper in New Poll,” Wall Street Journal, 12/17/2010)

With the writing on the wall, Heinrich is facing an up-hill battle to a bruising re-election.  Even Democrat colleague Rep. Dan Boren believes their party has missed the mark on revitalizing the economy.

“U.S. Rep. Dan Boren, Oklahoma’s only Democrat in Congress, predicts his party will lose seats in elections later this year.

“He pointed to new figures on job losses and described his party’s legislative agenda last year as one of missed opportunities on the economic front.

“‘I think the House Democratic leadership along with the administration made a very large mistake by focusing on a lot of different pieces of legislation that would not do a lot to help the economy,’’ Boren said.

“He said that kind of agenda helped threaten Democrats’ majorities in the House and Senate, adding that his constituents believe the economy should be the focus right now and other issues such as health care are more of a distraction.” (Jim Myers, “Boren: Democrats may lose Congress,” Tulsa World, 1/10/2010)

Heinrich has repeatedly supported his party’s reckless spending spree, which has raised taxes, mounted further debt on New Mexicans’ backs and has done nothing to improve the country’s skyrocketing unemployment rate.  His support for Nancy Pelosi’s irresponsible, big-government policies 96.5 percent of the time will certainly hurt him on Election Day:

“The Journal/NBC survey found Ms. Pelosi’s presence on the campaign trail could do more harm than good. Fifty-two percent said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who agreed with the speaker almost all the time, compared with 42% who felt that way about candidates siding with Republican leaders.” (Peter Wallsten, “Democrats’ Blues Grow Deeper in New Poll,” Wall Street Journal, 12/17/2010)

“With the writing on the wall, Martin Heinrich has plenty of reasons to be concerned about his upcoming re-election,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “After voting for billions in new taxes, New Mexicans have become disenchanted with Washington Democrats and their big-spending, tax-hiking agenda.  As the country’s economy continues to struggle, Heinrich’s unbridled support for his party leaders’ runaway spending spree will cost him big in November’s election.”

Why Heinrich Should be Worried:

•The Republican Party now enjoys a better image rating than the Democratic Party in Western states. You might have to read the previous sentence again. While the image of the GOP is not really much to crow about (27% positive and 44% negative), the Democrats are in a worse position perceptually – 29% view the party favorably and 53% view the Democratic Party negatively. (Nicole McCleskey, “Western States Update: GOP Back on Top,” Public Opinion Strategies, 1/08/2010)

•Republican – 47% GOP/36% Dem. Nationally, it’s a one-point Democrat advantage on the generic ballot (37% GOP/38% Dem). We have closed the gap nationally with big help from voters in the West. (Nicole McCleskey, “Western States Update: GOP Back on Top,” Public Opinion Strategies, 1/08/2010)

•And, 54% of voters say they are less likely to vote for a candidate for Congress who has supported Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s issue positions over ninety percent of the time…”(Nicole McCleskey, “Western States Update: GOP Back on Top,” Public Opinion Strategies, 1/08/2010)

•President Obama’s job approval numbers have plummeted in the West. A majority of voters (53%) in Western states disapprove of the job he’s doing while 45% approve. Compare this to the 100-day mark in his term when Obama’s job approval in the West was 59% approve/33% disapprove. (Nicole McCleskey, “Western States Update: GOP Back on Top,” Public Opinion Strategies, 1/08/2010)

•Obama’s numbers in the West are worse than they are nationally – 47% approve/46% disapprove. The seeds of discontent are running deep in the West. (Nicole McCleskey, “Western States Update: GOP Back on Top,” Public Opinion Strategies, 1/08/2010)

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