Poll: Republicans get the blame in shutdown

In this Oct. 8, 2013, photo, Andrea Bentley, with the American Federation of Government Employees, protests the government shutdown outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. A new poll says Americans are holding Republicans primarily responsible for the partial government shutdown. The Associated Press-GfK survey finds plenty of disdain to go around as people size up the federal impasse. Most now disapprove of the way President Barack Obama is handling his job. And Congress’ approval rating is a perilous 5 percent. AP

WASHINGTON — A new poll says Americans are holding Republicans primarily responsible for the partial government shutdown.

The Associated Press-GfK survey finds plenty of disdain to go around as people size up the federal impasse. Most now disapprove of the way President Barack Obama is handling his job. And Congress’ approval rating is a perilous 5 percent.

Overall, Republicans are taking the bigger hit in public opinion. In the poll, 63 percent say Republicans deserve a lot of the blame. About half say Obama or the Democrats in Congress are largely responsible.

The poll finds that the tea party is a significant influence among Republicans as well as a source of division. Forty-one percent of Republicans identified themselves as tea party supporters and they want Republican leaders in Congress to stand firm.