It kind of stinks to be a Republican these days what with having to defend George Bush [1], Matt Blunt and Vito Fossella [2].  But even given the national trends the Missouri GOP has to buck, the latest polling data has to take all the air out of their lungs.

According to the latest Rasmussen poll [3], both Kenny Hushlof and Sarah Stealman are less popular than Matt Blunt!  Here's the excerpt:

Nixon is viewed favorably by 59% and unfavorably by 31%. Hulshof earns positive reviews from 41% and negative feedback from 39%. Steelman’s numbers are 41% favorable and 37% unfavorable.

Republican Governor Matt Blunt, who recently decided against seeking re-election, earns good or excellent ratings from 38% of Missouri voters. That’s down four points from a month ago. Thirty-three percent (33%) say he is doing a poor job.

That's right, Hulshof's 39% negative and Steelman's 37% negative are actually worse than Blunt's.  Obama's people have done a good job of summing up this year's election as whether you want George Bush to have a third term.  I was starting to think we might start asking whether you want Blunt to have a second term, but looks like the better question is simply whether you want Steelsof/Hulsman to have a FIRST term.

Oh yeah, and Nixon beats either one of them 51-35.  But you knew that.