Conservatives' Disenchantment Pushing Bush To New Approval Lows

An AP/Ipsos poll released today shows President Bush's approval rating at 33%. A closer look at the numbers seems to indicate that it's the bailing of the president's conservative base that is pushing his numbers lower.

According to the poll, 45% of those identifying themselves as conservatives disapprove of Bush's job performance.

A majority of all people polled - 51% - said they want the Democrats to control Congress. Republicans are favored by 34%. That gap has widened a little in the past couple of weeks compared to other polls. Of the self-described conservatives who took part in the poll, 31% said they would rather see the Democrats in charge.

Sixty percent of conservatives said the nation is on the wrong track, while 73% of all those polled felt that way.

On specific issues: 43% overall approved of Bush's handling of foreign policy, including the so-called "war on terror;" 36% approved of his handling of domestic issues; 37% approved of Bush's handling of the economy; 23% approved of his handling of gas prices.

For a detailed Associated Press story that includes the numbers on the conservatives click here. For highlights of the poll available to non-subscribers to Ipsos, click here.

GOP TO BE HURT BY GAS PRICES, INSIDERS OF BOTH PARTIES SAY

The National Journal says its latest Insiders Poll shows stalwarts of both parties agree that the GOP will be hurt more at the voting booth in November by the rising cost of gasoline. Among GOP insiders, 55% say their party will be hurt by the high cost of gas, while 32% say both parties will feel the effects. Among Democrat insiders, 91% say they think the GOP will be hurt more.

On another topic, it doesn't appear much bi-partisan cooperation will be in evidence over the next six months (no surprise there). While 50% of GOP insiders think the Democrats would be helped politically if the two parties worked together on the issues prior to the elections, 63% of Democrats think their chances in November would be hurt if they compromised with the Republicans.

SPENCER GETS THE NOD FROM LONG ISLAND COUNTIES

The Republican committees of both Nassau and Suffolk counties have endorsed John Spencer, the former Yonkers mayor, in his bid for the U.S. Senate. The Urban Elephants Web site is keeping a running tally of expected delegate support at the state Republican convention later this month, based on endorsement announcements made to date. UE estimates the two endorsements put Spencer's backing at about 60% of delegates, while his challenger, former Reagan Defense Deparetment spokeswoman KT McFarland, is at about 16%

GIULIANI HIRES KEY BUSH FUND-RAISER

Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who says he won't decide on a presidential run until after the November elections, has hired a big fund-raising name from the Bush camp.

The New York Sun reports Anne Dickerson has signed on as Giuliani's head fund-raiser, at least through November. Dickerson technically works for Giuliani's PAC, Solutions America, which - for now at least - is raising cash for GOP candidates this November.