A Quinnipiac University Poll, released Feb. 2, revealed that 22 percent of the 1,160 registered voters polled are unhappy with the job Scott is doing, while 35 percent approve.
But the poll revealed figures even more important than those displaying dissatisfaction with Scott.
A large number of participants still do not know where to place the rogue billionaire who claimed the gubernatorial race in November with 49 percent of the vote. Forty three percent were undecided on the governing abilities of Scott.
Despite the results of the poll, Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute says most Floridians believe it is, “too soon to tell.”
Scott’s overall approval rating pales in comparison to his moderate-Republican predecessor Charlie Crist, who enjoyed a 70 percent approval during his first four weeks.
Nonetheless, Scott seemed indifferent to the results of the poll in a press conference last Wednesday in the Governor’s Mansion.
“I haven’t seen it,” the governor responded to a reporter asking about the poll.
Aside from shellacking from news media amid the release of the poll results, Brown believes Scott has plenty of time to make the best of his tenure in Tallahassee.
“This [poll] may reflect the negativity of the campaign and the omnipresent charges by his opponents questioning his honesty as a corporate executive,” said Brown.
Twenty eight percent of respondents favor the governor personally, while 45 percent are “do not know enough about him.”
But the results of the poll are not so much a reflection of Floridians’ approval or rejection of Scott, the man; but more so his policies – although 53 percent say his promise to accept a $1 salary makes Scott more favorable in their eyes.
Scott’s most divisive campaign promises, such as reducing the state’s workforce, pension reform and substantially cutting business and property taxes, have become partisan issues for the governor since he took office.
Forty six percent of pollsters think reducing the state’s workforce by 5 percent is a “bad idea.”
Sixty four percent agree that public sector workers should contribute to their own pension, as do those in the private sector.
Pollsters were almost split on cutting property and business taxes by $2 billion, 50-43 percent.
Half of the pollsters agree with cutting state services to meet the budget shortfall, but the same half believe it was shortsighted of Scott to promise cuts without in turn raising taxes.
In regards to the state’s budget crisis, 64 percent of pollsters call the problem “very serious.”
Republican voters seem generally satisfied with Scott so far, with 52 percent approving and 11 percent dissenting. Thirty nine percent of Democrats disapproved, as 33 percent of Independents.
“Governors who tackle things up front, you know, may be better off,” said Brown.