Trump Down in Nebraska Poll, Ricketts’ Approval Tops Fischer’s

Omaha, NE.—New statewide numbers appear to shed some light on why Nebraska Democrats have someone challenging Deb Fischer but—so far—not Pete Ricketts; numbers that also find a double-digit increase in President Trump's disapproval rating. According to the latest survey from Morning Consult, incumbent GOP Senator Deb Fischer goes into her bid for re-election with a 45 percent approval rating. The poll says 35 percent disapprove and 19 per cent have no opinion or don't know. At the same time Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts enjoys a 56 percent approval rating, with 29 percent disapproving and 16 percent unsure. [caption id="attachment_1260146" align="alignleft" width="150"] Sen. Deb Fischer[/caption] After Democrat Jane Raybould announced her decision to run against Fischer many Nebraska Democrats told News Channel Nebraska they were surprised that the Lincoln City Councilwoman—who ran for Lt. Gov. in 2014—decided to take on Fischer and not Ricketts. [caption id="attachment_1260149" align="alignright" width="150"] Jane Raybould[/caption] But these new numbers indicate that Fischer is 11 points more vulnerable than the governor. One other note: the polling which surveyed from July 1 to Sept. 30 was completed before Fischer was targeted for defeat in next May's GOP primary by Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist. So far Bannon has yet to find anyone to challenge Fischer. Meanwhile Trump's numbers are skidding. Morning Consult finds his Nebraska approval rating dropping six points (55.7-49.7) since January. During the same time Trump's disapproval jumped just over 12 points (33.1-45.5). GOP Senator Ben Sasse—who is not up for re-election until 2020 and is often mentioned as a possible challenger to Trump that year—fared slightly better than Fischer. Sasse holds a 46 percent approval rating with 34 percent disapproving and 20 percent unsure.