Republicans are gaining ground by Independents on Obama's Budget and More

This first Resurgent Republic survey of 1000 registered voters, conducted April 13-16, 2009, shows that President Obama remains quite popular, with 61% approving of his job performance and 32% disapproving so far. That is comparable to President George W. Bush’s job approval of 62 to 29 percent in the Gallup Poll on April of his first year in office.and lower than President Reagan’s in April after the attempt on his life (67%).

This survey verifies that America remains a center-right country. Voters prefer a smaller government with lower taxes over a larger government with higher taxes by a three-to-one margin. By a two-to-one margin, they think government should promote opportunity by fostering job growth, encouraging entrepreneurs, and allowing people to keep more of what they earn, rather than promote fairness by narrowing the gap between rich and poor, spreading the wealth, and making sure that economic outcomes are more equal.

Independents, who hold the balance of power in this electorate, are closer to Republicans than to Democrats on this issue. 56-33% oppose Obama's spending budget and the 1.4 Trillion deficit.

Republicans have far more to work with in the current environment than many suspect. The key to rebuilding a majority coalition is regaining the support of independents. Particularly on the overall philosophy of government and on national security, Republicans show signs of gaining ground.