Boehner’s Approval Rating Jumps

Americans are clearly impressed with House Speaker John Boehner’s initial performance in his new position. A poll conducted last weekend by USA Today/Gallup shows that his favorability rating jumped to 42 percent from 34 percent right after last November’s elections and 27 percent earlier in the fall.

Only 22 percent of voters view Boehner unfavorably, down from 31 percent in October.

“It’s better to be up than down, but it doesn’t change the speaker’s job: listening to the American people, and fighting for their priorities, including cutting spending and creating jobs,” Boehner spokesman Michael Steel tells Politico.

Boehner's favorability rating improved most among Republicans since October — to 65 percent from 46 percent.

The speaker's favorability also gained significantly among independents — to 39 percent from 23 percent — and Democrats to 25 percent from 15 percent.