Lawmakers get higher marks, but support remains lax

SACRAMENTO -- For most politicians, earning the support of one in three voters would be a red flag. But for the California Legislature, it’s a sign of improvement.

Thirty percent of California voters said they approve of the job being done by state lawmakers, according to a new poll conducted for the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences and the Los Angeles Times.

It’s the Legislature’s highest ranking in four years, and an increase from 18% in March 2010.

David Horne, 58, of Los Angeles is one of the few that gave the Legislature high marks. A registered Democrat, he was impressed that lawmakers passed laws protecting homeowners last year.

“That actually showed a little initiative,” he said.

The survey was conducted jointly by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, a Democratic firm, and American Viewpoint, a Republican company. They canvassed 1,501 registered California voters by telephone from March 11 through 17. The margin of error is 2.9 percentage points.

David Kanevsky of American Viewpoint said Democrats are much more likely to support the Legislature, which is dominated by their party. Forty-two percent of Democrats said they approve of the job lawmakers are doing, as opposed to 14% of Republicans.

“It’s not surprising, given the partisan lean of the state,” Kanevsky said.

Still, the approval numbers are low. “It’s a tough time for politicians,” said Greenberg’s Drew Lieberman. “It’s not an environment where people are quick to give a lot of credit to politicians.”

Tony Krvaric, 42, is among the many who view the Legislature negatively.

A Republican in the San Diego area, he complained about rising public pension costs and is concerned that taxes are increasing rising while government services deteriorate.

“My state is taking more and I’m getting less,” he said.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s approval rating has held steady since November at 49%.

Look for more poll findings in coming days.

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Twitter: @chrismegerian