Job losses unsettle Republicans

GOP lawmakers fear voter backlash on economy

By Juliet Eilperin
THE WASHINGTON POST

Sept. 16 — Congressional Republicans are watching warily as President Bush’s approval ratings slide on two major issues — the economy and Iraq — and wondering if voter anxiety might cost them seats in next year’s election.

More

KEY QUOTES:

"A recent Washington Post poll found that 42 percent of Americans approve of Bush’s handling of the economy, down from 45 percent a month ago."

"The president has suffered a similar slip in public approval of his handling of the Iraq situation: 52 percent, compared with 56 percent a month ago."

"A recent poll by David Winston for House Republicans found that 37 percent of Americans feel the country is moving in the right direction and 51 percent say it is headed in the wrong direction."

"Bush’s $87 billion request for Iraq — and particularly the $20 billion of it earmarked for reconstruction — is generating some GOP resistance in Congress."