Marquette Poll: GOP Presidential Race Split 3 Ways, Walker Slump Continues

The latest Marquette University Law School poll shows a tight three-way race in Wisconsin’s Republican presidential primary contest between Ben Carson, Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.

The survey also showed Wisconsin’s top Republicans continue to struggle, as Gov. Scott Walker registered under 40 percent approval for the third Marquette poll in a row.

In a hypothetical Republican primary, the survey found Carson in the lead among Wisconsin voters with 22 percent, followed by Trump and Rubio with 19 percent each. Trump’s numbers were nearly identical two months ago, but support for both Carson and Rubio have grown.

Walker’s approval rating was 38 percent with 58 percent disapproval, marking a continued slump for the governor. These latest numbers come nearly two months after he dropped out of the presidential race.

Similarly, only 27 percent had a favorable opinion of Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, compared to 38 percent who had an unfavorable opinion. The survey found Democrat Russ Feingold leading Johnson 49 percent to 38 percent in their rematch from 2010.

The survey also found Republican state lawmakers with only 31 percent approval compared to 60 percent disapproval, although that did not translate to goodwill for Democratic legislators. Thirty-nine percent approved of the job they’re doing, compared to 49 percent who disapprove.