How pathetic is it when your approval rating is below Bush’s?  No, I’m not talking about the approval of the Congress as a whole.  I’m talking about our very own Dear Leader, Governor Blagojevich.  Rasmussen’s latest polling pegs Bush’s approval rating at 31% in Illinois (down 1 point from last month).  Blagojevich dropped to 16%.  Let me say that again…

S-I-X-T-E-E-N P-E-R-C-E-N-T! 

 Don’t get me wrong, Blago wasn’t terribly popular when his current term began.  He won re-election with less than 50% of the vote.  But he has dropped to 16%.  6 point drop in one two months. 

 I’ve complained about this Governor quite often in the past.  I’ve never really liked him.  One of the first things he did upon entering office was cut funding for higher education (with my Alma Mater taking the biggest hit, I believe (UIUC)).  Coincidentally, UIUC’s tuition has risen astronomically since Blago became governor. 

 But his handling of the budget situation and the RTA problem has been absurdly awful.  He issues fiats saying this is what’s going to happen and takes everyone by surprise.  Then he complains when the legislature won’t play ball.  He fights Mike Madigan at every opportunity, no matter how ridiculous.  He is willing to risk sinking the economy in Northeastern Illinois so that he can abide by a campaign pledge. 

At this point, it’s all about the Governor’s ego.  He has to beat Madigan at something.  I never thought I would see the day where Madigan looked like the good guy.  Well, that day is here.  Mike Madigan is the good guy in Springfield.  It’s time for the Governor to govern, not fight with the Speaker. 

Governor, you will never win another election in this State.  This approval rating should show you that.  Give it up.  You lost.  It’s over.  You are now a lame duck. 

You are almost as unpopular as Dick Cheney, sir.  Twice as many people in this state think George Bush is doing a good job than think you are doing a good job.  Those 16%?  They are on your payroll.

 Update:  Rich Miller has another story up today about our Dear Leader.  The Governor did a press release saying he met with all the Legislative leaders, except for Mike Madigan, and hammered out a deal to save the RTA.  The release went on to say that Tom Cross was to meet with Madigan to convince him to get on board and drop his support for SB 572. 

Unfortunately for the Governor, his bff, Senate Prez Emil Jones said he knows nothing about such a deal, but he has heard ‘rumors.’ 

Tom Cross said a deal had been discussed, but nothing was concrete.

Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson said that there is no plan.

And the RTA and its’ related agencies are completely in the dark.

 Good Job Governor!!!