With general election nearly set, poll shows GOP enthusiasm lower than Dems and fading fast

Public Policy Polling released a poll Tuesday showing Democrats are currently winning on enthusiasm amongst their electorate for this fall. The survey found that 57 percent of Democrats are excited about voting this fall in comparison to only 46 percent of Republicans. The poll was conducted on March 23-26 and in a PPP statement notes that on March 12, enthusiasm among Republicans was 11 points higher. Similar polls this time last year had enthusiasm among Republicans as high as 58 and 63 percent.

At first glance an explanation for fading GOP enthusiasm could be the result of Mitt Romney, a polarizing candidate who has had well-documented difficulties in rousing the conservative base, appearing to have all but secured the Republican nomination. There may be a lul among Republicans who have realized their candidate is out of the general election and they may have to "settle on Romney." If this is the case, enthusiasm may rise as the election approaches for the GOP may become reinvigorated at the chance to unseat President Obama, who only 13 percent of Republicans approve.