What are the impressions of the candidates for Governor?
Governor Rendell’s confidence ratings are down at the start of this election year. Among those surveyed, 55 percent said they have a lot or some confidence in the Governor to deal with important problems. That figure is four points below the 59 percent recorded last September and nine points below the 64 percent recorded just two years ago in April 2004. The Governor’s current personal favorability ratings mirror his confidence ratings – 53 percent of state residents view him favorably; 37 percent unfavorably. As part of the poll, respondents were asked to describe the candidates in one word. When asked for a single word to describe Governor Rendell, 92 said “politician” while 71 said “good.” “Leader” and “crook” tied with 32 and “liar” rounded out the top 10 responses with 20. Having achieved celebrity status as a professional football Hall of Fame wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers championship teams of the 1970s, Lynn Swann is generally liked by those who know him. Statewide,
