President Obama often talks about how he's run his last political race, and that may be a good thing for him — he's really struggling in the key state of Ohio.
Only 34% of Ohio voters approve of Obama's job performance, while fully 61% disapprove, his worst marks in a state that can decide presidential elections, according to a new poll by Quinnipiac University.
It is "his lowest score in any Quinnipiac University poll nationally or in any state," the poll said.
In addition, Ohioans says Obama "is not honest and trustworthy" — by a margin of 57%-39%.
As with similar national and state polls, Obama's ratings are being weighed down by the faulty rollout of his new health care plan.
Said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling institute:
"President Barack Obama's popularity is at a record low in Ohio and (it is) the first time his approval rating has fallen below 40% in the state.
"This is a state considered to be a national bellwether, where he got 51% of the vote just 12 months ago. Only 30% of men, 38% of women and 27% of white voters, along with 83% of black voters, give him a thumbs up.
"Clearly much of the reason for the president's decline in Ohio is 'Obamacare.' Ohio voters oppose the Affordable Care Act 59%-35%. Perhaps more significantly, voters say 45%-16% they expect their own health care to be worse rather than better a year from now."
"If voters still feel that way about their own situation come November 2014, that is likely to create a political playing field beneficial for Republicans. Voters still blame the Republicans more for the government shutdown, but that issue's salience is being dwarfed by the opposition to 'Obamacare.'"
