Governor somehow maintains strong plurality of support

by Brian Leubitz

In the latest Field poll (PDF), somehow Gov. Jerry Brown has managed to maintain a plurality of support.  His September numbers are actually slightly better, from 46 to 49 % approval from June.  Despite lying down in the stink that is Sacramento politics right now, it seems the putrid stench seems to linger on the Legislature rather than in the Horseshoe.

To some extant, he is getting an “independence” streak.  Although, I’m not sure this is the quote that he would like to describe that:

Bower, a Democrat, said he found Brown a “little flaky” last time he was governor, but he thinks Brown is more focused now that he is 73 and in his third term.

“He’s one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel,” Bower said. “He doesn’t have a thing to lose. … I think he just kind of tells it like it is.”

Brown likely is benefiting from that image and, among other things, from the popularity of a series of symbolic measures he used early this year to demonstrate his frugality in the state’s budget crisis, including recalling thousands of state-issued cellphones and cars. (SacBee)

Ah, yes, the most famous of poll bounces, the “almost dead” bounce.  And it seems right that people give Brown a bit more slack for trying to work with what the people consider an ineffective Legislature.  Points for trying, I suppose.  However, at some point, Brown will need to push some substantial initiatives through this reticent Legislature with a 2/3 majority.  And that’s when things get really tough.

For the time being though, Jerry’s in some smooth sailing.