AP: With Sky-High Approval Ratings, GOP Governors Are ‘Thriving’ In Blue States

By working across the aisle to promote job growth and expand opportunity, GOP Governors in blue states are thriving as they continue to get real results. The Associated Press reports that GOP Governors Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, Phil Scott of Vermont, and Larry Hogan of Maryland continue to earn high marks for leadership from their constituents, with approval ratings surging above 60 percent, despite governing some of America’s most traditionally liberal states. As they remain focused on pro-jobs policies that spur economic growth, Baker, Scott, and Hogan continue to prove why GOP governors are known as America’s Doers.

The Associated Press reports:

“Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker loves taking selfies — with schoolchildren, Statehouse visitors, police, and even a zoo elephant. It’s all part of a charm offensive that has helped propel the Republican to high popularity in one of the most liberal states…

Baker’s aversion to verbal grenades contrasts with the state’s other brand-name politician, Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who revels in locking horns with Trump.

It seems to be working for Baker; the same poll found that while Warren is viewed favorably by 54 percent of Massachusetts voters, Baker is viewed favorably by a hefty 66 percent…

A poll released in September found 62 percent of Maryland residents approve of the job Gov. Larry Hogan is doing. In Vermont, Gov. Phil Scott, who recently signed a bill legalizing marijuana, also remains popular…

Hogan has maintained his popularity in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2 to 1 by focusing on improving the business climate, lowering traffic tolls, pushing for tax relief and taking steps to stem climate change. And he kept his sense of humor while fighting non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma his first year in office, participating in a minor-league baseball promotion that included two bobbleheads: one of him with hair and one without…

Baker has other advantages, including Massachusetts voters’ penchant for electing moderate “chamber of commerce” Republican governors to balance an overwhelmingly Democrat-controlled House and Senate, said Vercellotti, the polling director. Republicans have held the governor’s office for 19 of the past 27 years.

Another secret to Baker’s political popularity is his openness to working with Democratic House and Senate leaders — a tactical approach, since Democrats can nix much of Baker’s legislative agenda.”