The Nation - News from March 13, 1989

Massachusetts voters have soured on the performance of Gov. Michael S. Dukakis, dropping the public approval rating of the former Democratic presidential nominee below 20%, according to a poll. The Boston Globe reported that Dukakis’ favor throughout his state has declined dramatically since the New Hampshire presidential primary a year ago, when his performance rating by voters was an overwhelming 79%. Analysts told the newspaper that the drop could be tied, in part, to a state fiscal crisis that has forced the third-term governor to propose massive budget cuts, layoffs and new taxes. Forty-nine percent rated Dukakis negatively, with 29% viewing him as average, the poll said.