Governor Terry Branstad got good news and bad news from the latest Quinnipiac statewide poll, released today. The survey of 1,256 registered Iowa voters between July 15 and 17 found that Branstad is in positive territory with Iowans: 51 percent approve of his work as governor, while just 33 percent disapprove. Moreover, 50 percent of respondents have a favorable opinion of Branstad, while 37 percent view him unfavorably. Another good sign for the incumbent: 67 percent were either very or somewhat satisfied with “the way things are going in Iowa today”; just 31 percent said they were very or somewhat dissatisfied.

On the downside, just 43 percent of respondents said Branstad deserves to be re-elected; 46 percent said he does not. About 54 percent said the governor “has been in office long enough,” while 37 percent said he should seek another term.

No one’s going to panic at Terrace Hill over this poll. Thinking abstractly that Branstad should retire is different from choosing to vote for someone else. Clearly many people in that “long enough” group like Branstad and think he’s doing a decent job. I doubt those people would vote for a challenger unless they felt that Branstad was physically unable to serve for another four years.

The potential Democratic candidates for governor are mostly unknown to Iowa voters. About 77 percent of Quinnipiac’s respondents haven’t heard enough about Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal to form an opinion, 85 percent said the same about State Senator Jack Hatch, and 92 percent said the same about State Representative Tyler Olson.

Full results from the Quinnipiac poll including questionnaire and cross-tabs can be viewed here (pdf). Olson’s campaign was quick to send out an e-mail blast touting the poll as proof that Iowans agree it’s “time for a new start in the Governor’s office.” I posted that message after the jump. I haven’t seen any comment from the Branstad campaign about the new poll, but I also enclosed below a statement released today touting the governor’s job creation efforts.

E-mail blast from Tyler Olson’s campaign, July 19 (subject heading “Iowans agree”):

Friend,

Last week, when I announced my run for Governor, I spoke about the need for new leadership in Iowa – leadership that will lay the groundwork for the next 30 years.  

Iowans agree,  a Quinnipiac Poll release today found that, “…54 percent of voters say Gov. Branstad has been in office long enough…”

It’s time for new leadership, click here to join our campaign and make a contribution today.

Our campaign is about a fresh approach to leadership that celebrates our unique diversity of agriculture, industry and innovation.  We need a leader that understands the importance of this diversity and the opportunities that are in front of us.

Campaigns are about ideas and action, but they’re also about people.  We need you to join us today!

Join our effort today by clicking here to donate today.

As I continue to travel across Iowa, I look forward to working with you to ensure Iowa has the type of Governor we need, one that will begin the work of the next 30 years.

Thank you,

– Tyler

P.S. Iowans agree, Branstad has had long enough, now it’s time for a new start in the Governor’s office. Help get us there, donate today.

Statement released by Branstad/Reynolds campaign, July 19:

Iowa sets record; Highest number of Iowans employed right now under Branstad-Reynolds leadership

The highest numbers of Iowans ever are currently employed, according to new data from Iowa Workforce Development.

The report shows under the leadership of Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa’s nonfarm employment reached 1,530,300 in June 2013 and Iowa’s unemployment rate of 4.6 percent is the lowest it has been since December 2008.

“Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds are making job creation a priority and their work is paying off with record-setting results,” said Governor Branstad Committee campaign manager Jake Ketzner. “Iowans know the governor and lieutenant governor continue building a foundation for Iowa’s future and will not stop working until every Iowan who wants a job has one.”

The highlights from today’s report include:

A record-setting 1,530,300 Iowans are currently employed

Iowa’s unemployment rate is 4.6 percent, the lowest it has been since December 2008

Iowa’s unemployment rate remains the 5th lowest in the country