For Immediate Release: Friday, July 2, 2004

The Siena New York Poll for June: Approval Ratings, President and Congress

Bush: Approval 33%; Disapproval 60%

Highest Approval is for Handling War on Terrorism (43%);

Lowest is for Handling Situation in Iraq (31%)  

Congress: Approval 30%; Disapproval 51%

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Loudonville, NY –  President Bush’s overall approval rating went up a point in June to 33%, according to the latest Siena New York Poll from the Siena (College) Research Institute (SRI). Congress’ approval rating remained at 30%.

The President’s approval rating rose among most demographic groups, most significantly among Republicans – up 7 points to 75%; Independents and “other” parties – up 5 points to 31%; and outside New York City – up 5 points to 41%.  His approval decreased only among New York City residents – down 2 points to 24%.  The President’s approval remained the same among higher income households (34%).

The President’s 33% overall approval rating is 16 points below his June 2003 approval of 49%, and 6 points below his 12-month approval rating average of 39%. The President’s approval remains highest among Republicans (75%) and lowest among Democrats (16%). His disapproval went down 2 points to 60% --27 points higher than his approval.

SRI asked three more presidential approval questions:

·         President Bush’s highest approval rating is for his handling of the war on terrorism: down a point to 43%

·         His approval for the handling of Iraq went up a point to 31%

·         His approval for his handling of the economy went up 2 points to 34%

            42% of New Yorkers say the economy is moving in the right direction, up 3 points from last month. 

Congress approval increased among some groups, and decreased among others, resulting in no change overall:

·         Its most significant losses were among Democrats - down 5 points to 26%; New Yorkers under age 55 - down 4 points to 33%

·         Its most significant gains were among New Yorkers ages 55 and older - up 5 points to 24%; Republicans - up 3 points to 41%; and among Independents and “other” parties - up 3 points to 28%.  

·         Its highest approval remains among Republicans (41%); its lowest is among New Yorkers ages 55 and older (24%).

Congress’ 30% overall approval rating is 7 points below its June 2003 approval of 37% and 3 points below its 12-month average of 33%. Its disapproval went up 1 point to 51% --21 points higher than its approval.

“The President’s overall approval remains at about one-third of all New Yorkers,” notes Joe Caruso, Director of Polling for the Siena Research Institute. “On the issues, his highest approval continues to be for his handling of the ‘war on terrorism’ – 43% - and his lowest for his handling of Iraq – 31%.  At the same time, the percentage of New Yorkers who say the economy is moving in the right direction has been inching up over the last few months, most recently up 3 points to 42%. Congress gained some and lost some, but ended up in about the same place – 30% approval.”

This SRI survey was conducted during the month of June 2004 by random telephone calls to 620 New York State residents over the age of 18.  It has a margin of error of +3.9 percentage points. For more information or comments, please contact SRI Director of Polling Joe Caruso at 518-783-2901.  Survey Cross-tabulations and frequencies can be found at:  www.siena.edu/sri/surveys.asp.

The Siena New York Poll for June 2004:

Approval Ratings, President and Congress