EBC Senate Mid-Term Approval Polling and Analysis



EBC Senate Mid-Term Approval Polling and Analysis
by Comrade Prim

The doldrums that Europeia has seen over the summer has affected other aspects of the region as well. This recent survey on Mid-Term Senate Approval has shown that even the Senate has seen some slowdown and a decline in approval compared to previous sessions. This survey was conducted shortly after former Senator Whitmark had announced that he would resign.

Overall Senate Performance and Comments

With slightly under 50% of respondents approving of this Senate, citizens have been noting some issues with this current session. Out of 18 votes, 8 people approved of the Senate, though not strongly, seven were neutral, and 3 people were either disapproving or strongly disapproving. While most votes were either approving or neutral, this does not show confidence in the current session. Several of the comments below have elaborated on some of the feelings that the citizens have regarding this Senate term. One citizen noted that this session was "hit hard by the inactivity in the region as of late." Perhaps this session suffered from a lack of input from the citizenry at large? Another citizen noted, "The only reason it's passed a few things is because they were basically already done from the previous Senate term." A rough assessment from a blunt voter, but this comment seems to show a lack of faith in the performance of this Senate.


Senator Performance Ratings and Comments

Speaker Pichtonia enjoys the highest approval rating among the Senators. With almost 75% of voters either approving or strongly approving, he appears to be the Senator with the most support from the Citizens, with only a single vote strongly disapproving. The comments share similar sentiments: "A strong choice", "Pichto has executed his duties well", and "Seems to be doing a great job from what I've seen," several strong comments in support of the speaker. However, a few comments noted that Pichto seemed to be focusing on his administrative duties. One comment noted a significant error in a bill sent to the President, but was quickly fixed and re-sent after being vetoed. Overall, Pichtonia seems to have strong numbers in support and could likely be a favorite going into the next Senate election if he chooses to run again.

Senator Olde Delaware's approval numbers are showing a Senator in trouble with the electorate. Just over 25% of the respondents either approve or strongly approve of Olde Delaware's performance as Senator. Just under a majority hold disapproving opinions. Under the Citizen comments, most have noted that his demeanor and professionalism are not quite up to the level expected by the Citizens. One respondent commented, "Bit Brash, should be more professional." Another commenter noted that Olde Delaware "didn't know when to quit in the court of public opinion with his questioning of Rach for FA." The same comment noted however that "his line of questioning was fair if it was any other candidate without the sheer breadth or depth of her FA experience.... People portraying him like some sort of aggressive figure in this... are just way out of their depth and totally unfair." This situation seems to have affected Olde Delaware's approval numbers rather negatively.

Senator Punchwood is currently seeing the second highest approval rating among the Senators. With around 66% of respondents showing approval or strong approval of Punchwood, this survey shows that he still has the support of the Citizens. One of the strongest comments on Punchwood noted that, "[He] seems to be the one of the only, if not the only, Senator actually trying to start and engage in discussions." Another commenter said that Punchwood was a "Great Senator". With these numbers, Punchwood could likely see re-election if he decides to run for Senate again next term.

Senator Vlaska is seeing some tepid support in this survey. His approval and strong approval numbers are at 50%, a rather strong showing, though he does also have just over 25% expressing disapproval or strong disapproval. Senator Vlaska is around the middle of the Senate pack on approval currently. One comment noted that, "Seemed positive at the start, but after proposing one bill and suggesting a review of another did nothing else throughout this half term." Another commenter seemed to be drawing some of their criticism from Vlaska's position as the Constitutional Convention Chair, where there has been a lack of activity recently. With a strong finish to the term, Vlaska could make up those approval numbers and give a strong showing at the next election, if he chooses to run.

Former Senator Whitmark ranked lowest in Approval in this survey. Just over 25% held approving or strongly approving opinions of him, while almost 50% had disapproving and strongly disapproving opinions. These overall numbers are similar to Senator Olde Delaware's numbers, but Whitmark had more strong disapprovals than Olde Delaware did. One commenter noted that Whitmark "spend half the term on [Leave of Absence], then resigned." Another commenter was a bit more even-handed, saying that they were "a big supporter of Whitmark, but he badly disappointed.... I hope he returns in the future, but he just did not do anything." Several comments noted the problematic choice of his Senate Substitute while on a Leave of Absence. Johnny Costello filled in for Whitmark, but was critiqued heavily for some missteps. Overall, this term was not a shining moment for Whitmark. If he finds more free time and comes back in the future, he may be able to repair his reputation, but the citizens have spoken regarding this session.


Other Comments

The additional comments had a few parting remarks for the Senate as a whole. One comment hoped that the "Incoming Senator kicks some life into the Senate." The survey was conducted before the by-election was complete, but the open Senate Seat ended up being filled by Pierce, a relative newcomer to the region. Several comments suggested that a larger Senate might have been able to incite more activity. One comment noted, "Slow, quiet. Larger Senate! Step up people." Let us hope that the upcoming Senate Election sees a strong slate of candidates eager to get this region moving again.
 
Thanks for putting all this together! It seems like people are antsy for their government to get going after this summer's slump. With the forum transitions, it's definitely made work harder than usual, so I'd be inclined to give people a break up until this point. I hope those running for re-election though I think strongly about what they want to accomplish in their next term!
 
Fantastic analysis Prim!

Interesting to see that despite two Senators getting very low approval ratings the Senate as a whole received very little disapproval. Did the other three counterbalance those two?
 
I'm looking forward to a dynamic election and hope the incumbents will run again on their records.
 
Good analysis. Acknowledging Olde Delaware's loss was an important pillar of the article. It's good that you made it a central focus. Don't need bickering.
 
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