A new Dan Jones poll, sponsored by the Olene Walker School of Politics at Weber State University, shows 73% of Utahns have a “very” or “somewhat favorable” view of Gov. Herbert.
The same poll suggests that Sen. Mike Lee’s favorability has not rebounded since he helped lead a 16-day government shutdown last year. An October 2013 Utah Data Points poll had Lee’s favorability at 50%, with a 41% unfavorable rating. The newest survey shows similar numbers with 49% having a favorable view of Sen. Lee and 37% holding an unfavorable view.
Rep. Chris Stewart’s favorability rating is interesting. Only 29% have a favorable view of the freshman lawmaker, while 8% feel unfavorable towards him. Surprisingly, 40% of Utahns surveyed said they had never heard of Stewart.
Those numbers should raise some eyebrows on both sides of the aisle. Anytime an incumbent is below 50% heading into an election year is cause for alarm. Stewart is facing a challenge from Democrat Luz Robles in 2014, but it remains to be seen if she’ll be able to take advantage of Stewart’s low ratings.
Retiring Democratic Rep. Jim Matheson still enjoys high favorability ratings, sitting at 65%. That may bode well for Matheson if he chooses to mount a statewide campaign in 2016 or beyond.
Sen. Orrin Hatch’s rating at home is in Mike Lee territory right now. He’s sitting at 51% favorable and 45% unfavorable. That’s really should be no concern to Utah’s senior member of Congress who will not run for another term in 2018.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz is sitting pretty heading into his bid for another term in 2014 with a 55% favorability rating. Chaffetz will likely face only token opposition from Democrats this year.
Even though Rep. Rob. Bishop’s favorability rating is below the 50% threshhold (48%), it’s not likely he will lose a bid for another term in 2014.
