A new poll from Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling (PPP) shows that neither President Barack Obama nor Republican nominee Mitt Romney are particularly popular in Missouri — and that’s reflected in the competitive nature of the presidential race there.
The PPP survey shows Obama edging Romney among Missouri voters by the narrowest of margins, 45 percent to 44 percent. And while Obama’s approval rating is in negative territory — 44-52 percent — Romney’s favorability rating is even lower in the Show-Me State, with 38 percent viewing the former Massachusetts governor favorably compared to 50 percent who view him unfavorably.
Republicans have won Missouri in the previous three presidential contests and the state figured to be difficult terrain for Obama, but the GOP’s nomination of Romney may ultimately give the president a chance there.
From Dean Debnam, President of PPP:
Missouri remains surprisingly competitive. Barack Obama’s unpopular there but this was one of Mitt Romney’s weakest states during the primary season and it still hasn’t warmed up to him. This will not be part of the path to 270 for Obama but if he stays close there it could help Claire McCaskill.
The TPM Poll Average still gives Romney a slight advantage over Obama in Missouri.
