Voters Grow More Aware of Defense Secretary Panetta
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who recently announced significant cuts to the defense budget and plans for the United States to end its combat role in Afghanistan earlier than scheduled, is a bit more recognizable to voters these days. So far, this increased awareness has mostly worked in his favor.
The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of Likely U.S. Voters shows that 39% view Panetta at least somewhat favorably, up 10 points from December. Thirty-four percent (34%) now view the former Central Intelligence Agency director unfavorably, up only slightly from the last survey. These findings include Very Favorable marks from 14% and Very Unfavorable reviews from 12%.
Twenty-seven percent (27%) of voters still don't know enough about Panetta to offer an opinion, but that's down from 38% in December. (To see survey question wording, click here .)