Hickenlooper’s Performance Rating Improves, But Still Weak

Governor John Hickenlooper received some good news from the latest Quinnipiac poll after a difficult 2013. His job approval is up four points since November and above 50 percent, if just barely, for the first time since June of last year after his death penalty plunge and the polarizing effect of the Democratic legislative session.

His improvement over last June’s 47 percent approval reflects now having 28 percent of Republicans “favorable” vs. only 19 percent in June.

Hickenlooper also leads his rivals by more than the poll’s margin of error.

But, Hickenlooper remains vulnerable on some important issues. Voters still do not like his sudden anti-death penalty position, although many don’t know his position and don’t rate the issue highly. Two issues voters do rate highly and they are not satisfied with Hickenlooper’s performance are education (third most important and disapprove of Hickenlooper’s performance 39% to 47%) and the ever controversial guns (second most important issue and disapprove of Hickenlooper’s handing 31% to 54%).

Fortunately, Hickenlooper aces the top issue – the economy with 53 percent approving to 37 percent disapproving his performance.

Not a bad beginning of the campaign year, but far from a safe seat.