Something I’d never thought I’d read (from today’s Scranton Times-Tribune): “New York Sen. Hillary Clinton has something in common with former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum.”

It’s negative ratings: “A large percentage of Pennsylvania voters dislike both of them.”

Hillary actually has it worse: “In fact, greater percentages of voters here have consistently viewed Mrs. Clinton unfavorably than Mr. Santorum, according to a review of data from a respected statewide poll.”

A Franklin & Marshall/Times-Shamrock Newspapers poll in mid-February showed 43 percent of voters had an unfavorable opinion of Mrs. Clinton, the same as a month ago and three percentage points lower than a year ago.
Of course, polls are only snapshots of sentiment at the time they are taken. But consistent unfavorability ratings above 40 percent are dangerous for a candidate.
“The negatives (unfavorability) prevent you from growing (in popularity),” Dr. Madonna said.
By comparison, Mr. Santorum’s unfavorability rose from 32 percent in September 2005 to 37 percent the same month of 2006 and 46 percent the week before he was trounced by Democrat Bob Casey.
Mr. Obama’s unfavorability rating was at 27 percent and Mr. McCain’s at 26 percent, both up from 15 percent a year ago.