A recent poll by Garin-Hart-Yang research shows continued strong overall support for Governor Andy Beshear, as well as for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The same poll, however, shows a low level of approval for the Republicans running the state legislature.
Note that of the 602 persons polled, only 34% of them self-identified as Democrats, while 47% self-identified as Republican. The polling company also worked to have the respondents match the demographics of the state.
Findings of the poll
Approval of Beshear
- 59% of the respondents approved of Beshear’s job overall, including 55% of independents and 33% of Trump voters.
- 58% of the respondents approved of Beshear’s handling of the pandemic, including 33% of Trump voters.
Republican majority in the legislature
- Only 37% of respondents gave Republican leges a rating of either “excellent” or “good,” with 54% rating them either “fair” or “poor.”
- Even among Republicans and Trump voters, Republican legislators were only able to get a positive rating from about 55%.
Beshear’s actions in the pandemic
Strong majorities approve of Beshear’s actions in dealing with the pandemic, including Republicans. For example, 66% of Republicans approve of the mask ordinance.
| Measure | Support | Oppose | Difference |
| Require people to wear a mask in indoor places | 77% | 20% | +57 |
| Virtual learning for MS/HS until after Christmas break | 62% | 34% | +28 |
| Hybrid model for elementary schools until after Christmas break | 61% | 34% | +27 |
| Limit private gatherings to 8 people | 55% | 41% | +14 |
Use of any budget surplus
Voters overwhelmingly want any budget surplus used to help people, and not plowed back into the rainy-day fund.
As noted in the polling memo, “Fully three-quarters of voters prefer that state government use the one-time surplus to create jobs and provide direct relief, while just 14% prefer saving the money and putting it into the rainy-day fund.”
When given a list of possible priorities, respondents said to use the money as follows:
- Money to small businesses – 42%
- Money to individuals – 41%
- Repair public schools – 20%
- Improve internet access – 17%
- Put into rainy day fund – 12%
- Provide tuition assistance – 12%
KDP reaction to the poll
A statement from Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge, as noted in a press release from the KDP:
“Governor Beshear has been willing to make the hard decisions necessary to keep Kentuckians safe and alive during this worldwide pandemic. It has been clear since day one that Governor Beshear was committed to putting public health above politics. These poll numbers are a reflection of that reality: Kentuckians overwhelmingly trust Governor Beshear to make the right decisions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
“The Republican majority in the state legislature, on the other hand, is losing ground with the public every day. They have engaged in petty partisan attacks on our Governor in a difficult time for our state, and as a result, the public does not trust them. They’ve objected to life-saving recommendations and actions because they have no other agenda than to fight this Governor and post pictures of “disobedience” on social media. Meanwhile our small businesses, schools, and families pay the price for their temper tantrums. Drunk with power and little moral compass is never a good look. This poll is a reflection of the failures of the GOP majority gone wild in Kentucky and proof that the people of Kentucky have been watching. They know that when it comes to the failed leadership of Republicans in Frankfort, we deserve better.”
Polling memo
For those wishing to read the Garin-Hart-Yang polling memo, it is here.
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