Why is Russ Feingold not popular in his home state??

[killerbush]

In the latest surveyusa poll, Feingold has an approval rating of only 50%, and a disapproval rating of 45%. Everyone keeps saying that Hillary has high negatives, and can't possibly win the presidency. I've said it myself on some occasions. Well, if Hillary can't win because of her high negatives, why can Feingold win when his negative numbers in his home state are so high??
This thread is no to start a riot. This is for Feingold supporters to answer this question. Personally, I like Feingold, and the way he's going after Bush, but you have to admit, these numbers are not good for a perceived 2008 presidential candidate.

Feingold's trouble spots seem to be in three main areas. Men disapprove of him 50-47%. 35-54 year olds only approve of him by a point 49-48%. And Hispanics are deadlocked on approval/disapproval 47-47%. Of course, Republicans disapporve of him, so I'm not even considering that.


http://surveyusa.com/home.html

[yourout]

1. They did not ask me. I am a male and I think he is the best ....

Senator in the world.

[redqueen]

2. Because there's more difference between him and the other party?

:shrug:

[htuttle]

3. Those sound like odd poll numbers

Feingold usually does pull a lot of Republican votes here due to his strong positions on civil liberties. He did considerably better than Kerry did in the same districts in 2004 (there were apparently people who voted for both Bush and Feingold).

Not sure I buy those numbers. Would like to see other ones from a different polling company first.

[karynnj]

9. From what was said he had a pathetic opponent

and he was the incumbent. The fact is that it was NEVER true that you could take the approval number and say all who approve will vote for and all who disapprove would vote against. So, it's likely that some would still prefer him to the opponent.

[blm]

15. What voting machines?

.

[htuttle]

16. Mostly optical scan ballots

With the machines set to instantly kick back any ballots that are 'spoiled' or illegible. At least that's what I've used everywhere I've lived in WI.

[TheFarseer]

4. He's taken alot of strong stands

I want to say he's become a polarizing figure, except Rush and all those dipsticks don't go after him much. In a purple state with lots of rural area, polarizing is going to mean alot of people with a negative view.

[flpoljunkie]

12. Bingo! The man has the courage of his convictions, and is not afraid to

to stand up for what he believes is right. I wish we had more like him in the Democratic party.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

23. I wish we had more like him in the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation...

Specifically, Herb Kohl is a complete waste of space. Hasn't met an issue that that he's not willing to completely compromise on.

[trumad]

5. He beat the repuke pretty bad in the last election--Looks popular to me?

Russ Feingold easily won re-election to the U.S. Senate Tuesday (November 2, 2004), beating challenger Tim Michels 56% to 44%.

[movonne]

6. And in that same poll, Boxer is toward the bottom,

also did you see holy joe is near the top..I have to feel this is wrong...

[killerbush]

7. Surveyusa is pretty accurate, I believe them

[The Deacon]

10. I voted for him

when I lived in Wisconsin - mainly because of his stand (at the time) against Clear Channel Communications.
But then, Wisconsin is so factioned that Janesville (where I lived) is represented by an mouth-breathing anti-choice Republican & Beloit (where I worked - and the only way to tell when you pass from one city to the next is the city limit sign) is represented by a Democrat & the only admitted lesbian in the House.

[madrchsod]

8. i`d say that`s about right for wisconsin

it`s a pretty diverse state so that doesn`t surprise me he poll at 50 %.

[EC]

11. Huh?

He always wins by a clear majority....around here anyway we all love him...

[Mass]

13. Because he is really disliked by the Republicans.

It is obvious when you see the numbers. He is positive with the Independants, good with the Democrats.

Numbers on the Hispanics in the SurveyUSA polls are meaningless. The sample is way to small 3 % of the total sample or may be 10 to 15 people).

I would not make too much of the SurveyUSA polls anyway.

According to the same series of polls, Lieberman is a lot more popular with Republicans than with Democrats and Independants, for example.

[elfin]

14. Wisconsin has been trending red

and Russ is a bit unpredictable (ala smarming over Asscroft) for Dems. His "alliance" with McCain didn't cut it. Also - the what have you done for Wisconsin lately - topic is largely unanswerable. Nothing concrete to point to.

I always vote for him and cheer him on when he speaks out - but do not think he is viable at a higher post. Too short, too Jewish and too (two) divorced to make it, sad to say.

If he gets a strong challenger - he is out. Safe for the time being, unless Tommy Thompson holds back until Russ's term is up.

[Innocent Smith]

17. Its the intensity

I'm not one of those that is saying Hillary can't win, but I would suspect that those that are saying that mean that it is the intensity of the disapproval to Hillary among a large group of voters. Just a guess to the thought process involved.

[dsc]

18. He has had tight races in the past

he honestly would have lost in 1998 but for Baldwin's ability to draw voters in her race. That said, Wisconsin is a 50/50 state and Feingold won pretty big last time.

[leesa]

19. Because he's a truth teller and Wisonsin is not ready for it?

Last time I visited it was awash with Bush/Cheney stickers and signs.

[LittleClarkie]

20. We're horribly purple

He's popular amongst the Dems, but we're only half the state. The Conservatives are likely up in arms re: his censure motion.

[Hippo_Tron]

21. Senatorial approval ratings don't matter unless it's an election year

Russ doesn't have to run again until 2010.

[Zynx]

22. When you take stands like him in Wisconsin that happens.

[fujiyama]

24. Polarized state

He takes strong stands on issues. Dems love him. Independants like (or the least don't really mind) him. Repukes absolutely despise him.

That said, he did pretty damn well in '04. I believe he got the most votes of any candidate in that state. It's also likely there were many Bush voters crossing over.

Plus, as stated by another poster, these polls don't matter much unless you're facing reelection. Feingold isn't doing things to be "liked" though. He takes a stand on what he believes is right. Even if that stance is unpopular among whichever group.