XPost: alt.politics.elections, alt.politics.republicans, sac.politics   
   XPost: alt.fan.rush-limbaugh   
   From: someone@outlook.com   
      
   Among 1,000 registered voters, Newsom had an approval rate of 44%, a   
   three-point drop from December, the poll found.   
      
   In October 2024, the governor’s disapproval rating stood at just 43%.   
      
   Newsom’s office did not respond to a request for comment regarding the   
   figures.   
      
   The poll also asked voters about the top issues facing Californians,   
   with 37% citing the economy as their No. 1 concern — up three points   
   from December. Nineteen percent cited housing affordability as the   
   state’s top issue.   
      
   Critics have argued that California’s high cost of living — particularly   
   soaring housing prices, elevated gas costs, and rising insurance   
   premiums — has worsened during Newsom’s tenure.   
      
   They point to strict environmental regulations, limits on new oil   
   drilling permits, and slow housing construction as contributing factors   
   to persistently high consumer prices.   
      
   A whopping 53% percent of voters said they have considered leaving the   
   state over affordability concerns, the poll found.   
      
   Business groups have also raised concerns about regulatory hurdles and   
   taxation.   
      
   Newsom has recently sought to raise his profile, drawing criticism from   
   some Republicans for attending global events such as the World Economic   
   Forum in Davos and the Munich Security Conference while economic   
   frustrations persisted at home.   
      
   The California Democrat has been laying the groundwork for a potential   
   2028 presidential run as his term as governor nears its end.   
      
   The Emerson College poll also found Republican and staunch Newsom critic   
   Steve Hilton opening up a lead in the governor’s race.   
      
   Seventeen percent of voters named the former Fox News host their top   
   choice, with Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and GOP hopeful Sheriff Chad   
   Bianco tied for second at 14%.   
      
   https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/us-news/california-voters-disapproval-of-ga   
   vin-newsom-hits-highest-level-since-2024-poll-show/   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)