Unfavorability spikes for Boehner and Reid

With Congress’s approval rating in the single digits, both Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) are viewed more unfavorably than favorably.

A Gallup poll finds that Boehner fares slightly worse than Reid, with a 50 percent unfavorable rating compared with Reid’s 45 percent. Only 21 percent view Reid favorably, and 34 percent have no opinion. A slightly higher 28 percent view Boehner favorably, and 23 percent have no opinion. 

{mosads}Republicans have put Reid’s name at the forefront of Senate campaigns, arguing that Republicans should take back the Senate so he is no longer majority leader. 

The poll finds that even among Democrats, Reid’s favorability is less than 50 percent, at 46 percent. The Republican attacks could be having an effect, as Reid’s unfavorability has climbed from the mid-30s last year. 

Boehner has had to contend with the farther-right wing of his caucus throughout his tenure as Speaker, and some Republicans view him as not sufficiently conservative. 

Only slightly more Republicans view him favorably than unfavorably, 46 to 40 percent. 

Boehner’s unfavorability skyrocketed through 2013, peaking at 51 percent around the government shutdown. It then fell back a little before rising to its current 50 percent. 

Groups of conservative House Republicans have been meeting to plot a way to oust Boehner as Speaker, thought it is unclear how strong an effort they can muster. 

At least one Democrat, Sen. Mark Pryor (Ark.), in a tough reelection race, says he wants Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), not Reid, to be Senate majority leader.