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Easley wins unpopularity contest

Former Gov. Mike Easley’s reputation is in tatters.

A recent poll shows him the least popular of the five living past or current governors. By far, North Carolinians have the lowest opinion of Easley, who left office in January, reports Rob Christensen.

A poll by Public Policy Polling, a Democratic-leaning firm in Raleigh, asked which governor they had the lowest opinion of. Easley (2001-2009) was cited by 45 percent, current Gov. Beverly Perdue by 26 percent, former Gov. Jim Holshouser (1973-77) 13 percent, former Gov. Jim Hunt (1977-1985, 1993-2001) 10 percent and former Gov. Jim Martin (1985-1993) 7 percent.

Easley’s numbers are so poor because he has been the subject of critical news reports about the hiring of his wife at N.C. State University, his acceptance of free cars, and a favorable land deal on coastal property.

Voters remember Hunt most fondly, perhaps because he was governor for such a long stretch of people’s lives.

People had the highest opinion of Hunt (41 percent), then Martin (21 percent), Easley (14 percent) Perdue (14 percent) and Holshouser (10 percent).

More after the jump

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Holshouser’s low numbers probably reflect the fact that many people do not remember him or they moved to North Carolina after he was last governor 32 years ago.

Easley, Perdue and Hunt are Democrats while Martin and Holshouser are Republicans.

Easley was the least liked governor among even Democrats. More Democrats disliked Easley than the two former Republican governors.

Hunt was so popular that he was the favorite among self-described conservatives.

The survey of 784 North Carolina voters was conducted June 12-14 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.

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Re: Easley wins unpopularity contest

Submitted by TarHeel2011 on June 19, 2009 - 9:56am.

I might as well state what people interested in North Carolina politics are thinking right now: Wonder how much better Pat McCrory would be handling this mess? If it were not for straight-ticket voting, he would be the governor right now. North Carolina needs to do away with the straight-ticket ballot option so that voters are required to actually vote for a person and not a party.

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Re: Easley wins unpopularity contest

Submitted by CheeseburgerInP... on June 19, 2009 - 7:58am.

Once Governor Easley is vindicated his reputation will be restored!

Governor Perdue's polling numbers will soar when the state employees and teachers are happy once again and harmony rules the earth.

And once John Edwards ends poverty his reputation will be restored.

The first will become last...... and the poor will inherit the earth.... with, of course, the exception of Cannonsgate. We all have just got to keep the faith that our elected leaders, both past and present, know what is best for us. We all need to surrender to their superior knowledge and their understanding of the issues.

Don't worry, we are in good hands. And there is no problem that a good old fashioned tax increase will not overcome. I know in my heart that these great leaders have only done what is best for me. I believe!

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