The Republican governor’s job approval has sunk 13 points, a survey finds. Poll: Jindal approval plummets

Gov. Bobby Jindal’s approval rating is taking a dive, as voters become more frustrated with his plans for Louisiana, according to a Southern Media and Opinion Research survey analysis on Tuesday.

The Republican governor’s job approval has sunk 13 percentage points, from 51 percent to 38 percent, since last October. According to the survey, Jindal’s abrupt decline has to do with the governor’s handling of health care and taxes.


Jindal has been mentioned as a possible GOP contender for the White House in 2016.

( PHOTOS: Bobby Jindal’s career)

Nearly two thirds, 63 percent, opposed the governor’s tax swap proposal, which eliminates state income taxes but increases sales taxes, while only 27 percent supported the plan. A larger majority, 75 percent, were even more dissatisfied with public health care, saying they found little or no progress in the state’s system.

While President Barack Obama doesn’t exactly earn the love of the majority of the voters, he still came out with a 43 percent job approval rating, putting him five percentage points ahead of the governor. Louisiana is a red state Obama lost in the 2012 elections by more than 17 points.

( PHOTOS: Republicans, 2016 contenders)

The Southern Media and Opinion Research poll included 600 likely Louisiana voters and was conducted March 18-20. The margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.