Obama’s lows could hurt Democrats in 5 states

Senate Democrats must defend seats this year in five of the 10 states where President Barack Obama is most unpopular.

Daily tracking numbers published Monday by Gallup highlight the treacherous map facing Democrats in the midterm elections and offer a reminder of why incumbents in West Virginia, South Dakota and Montana decided to retire rather than run again.

Obama was most unpopular in Wyoming, with an average approval rating of 22.5 percent over the course of 2013. He was most popular in Washington, D.C., with an average approval rating of 81 percent.

Republicans need to pick up six seats to win the majority in the Senate, and Obama’s approval rating is below 35 percent in five states where Democrats are trying to defend seats.

In West Virginia, where Jay Rockefeller is retiring, 25 percent approved of Obama.

In South Dakota, where Tim Johnson is retiring, it was 32 percent.

In Montana, where Max Baucus plans to step down to become U.S. ambassador to China, it was 33 percent.

In Alaska, where Mark Begich is seeking a second term, it was 33.5 percent.

And in Arkansas, where Mark Pryor is facing a spirited challenge from Rep. Tom Cotton, it was 34.9 percent.  (Continues)