Last October, Democrats were estatic when a Marquette Poll showed likely Democratic nominee Mary Burke only trailed Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker by two points, 45 to 47%. The most recent poll, however, shows that while Walker has maintained his 47%, Burke has dropped down to 41%, giving Walker a six point lead.
In addition, Walker’s job approval rating has taken a huge turn in his favor: 51% approve, 42% disapprove. In October it was 49% approve, 47% disapprove-- a nine point improvement. And 54% say Wisconsin is on the right track-- it was 52%, shortly before Walker's recall.
Although most Wisconsinites still don't know Mary Burke, the early returns are not good. The current poll gives a Burke a -6% favorability rating (12% favorable, 18% unfavorable, 70% no opinion). In, October, she had +3% favorabilty rating: 17% fav, 14% unfavorabilty, and 70% no opinion.
President Obama's job approval rating has dropped from +3% (49% approve to 46% disapprove) to -6% (44% approve to 50% disapprove). Poll director Charles Franklin called the results "shocking" and said this was the biggest drop in Obama's approval rating in the poll's two year history.
The bottom falling out of Obama's job approval rating is likely tied to Wisconsinites's growing disapproval of Obamacare. In October, the favorability rating for Obamacare was -6% (44% to 50%), but that number has exploded to -21% (35% favorable to 56% unfavorable).
