Rep. Steve Southerland is still paying a high political price for his vote keep the government shut down, according to a recent poll by the House Majority PAC. Democrat Gwen Graham is leading Republican Southerland by three points — 44 to 41 percent.
The Panama City Republican’s favorability ratings also took a significant hit: 39 percent found him favorable to 41 percent unfavorable. His job approval is also underwater, where 42 percent disapprove compared to 36 percent approve of his job.
“After Steve Southerland shut down the government and wasted $24 billion, then voted to keep it closed and force our nation to default, voters in north and northwest Florida are understandably holding him accountable,” said Andy Stone, Communications Director for House Majority PAC. “The numbers don’t lie, and Steve Southerland is paying a serious price for his reckless shutdown scheme.”
In addition to voting to shut down the federal government, Southerland was part of a group of at risk Republicans opposing the bipartisan compromise to reopen the government and avoid default.
A new TV ad sponsored by House Majority PAC began running in Southerland’s home area this week, hitting him hard over his ‘no’ vote that the Tallahassee Democrat called “inexplicable.”
The survey was conducted October 21-22 by Public Policy Polling, which surveyed 965 voters from FL CD2. There is a 3.2 percent margin of error. Full results from are available online.
