25% Americans haven't heard of Karl Rove

WASHINGTON — Less than a week after President Bush chose a little-known federal appeals judge for the Supreme Court, nominee John Roberts can claim favorability ratings that many politicians would savor.

A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll finds 85% of respondents say support of Roe v. Wade, shouldn't disqualify a nominee from the Supreme Court.

Bush strategist Karl Rove might envy them, too.

A USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll taken Friday through Sunday finds that 51% of Americans expect "a major fight" over Roberts in the Senate. But by 59% to 22%, those surveyed say he should be confirmed for the job.

Roberts' favorable-unfavorable ratings are a muscular 46%-13%; 19% haven't heard of him.

In contrast, by 34% to 25%, Americans have an unfavorable view of Rove; 25% have never heard of him. Seen by many as Bush's most powerful White House adviser, Rove has been in the news lately because of an investigation into whether administration officials illegally leaked the name of a CIA operative to reporters.

The controversy hasn't gripped the public's attention. Just half of those surveyed say they are following the story closely; one in five aren't following it at all.

Even so, 25% think Rove broke the law in the case. An additional 37% suspect that he did something unethical but not illegal. Just 15% say they think he didn't do anything seriously wrong.

Those surveyed are split almost evenly, 40%-39%, over whether Bush should fire him. By 49% to 31%, a plurality says he should resign.

On the Supreme Court, the public would like to hear more about Roberts' views on abortion; 61% say the Senate should insist that the nominee discuss them before he is confirmed. But 85% say support of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that recognized abortion rights, shouldn't disqualify a nominee; 72% say opposition to Roe shouldn't disqualify a nominee, either.

In the survey, Bush's job-approval rating was steady at 49%, in the same range where it has been for more than a year. But his standing on a series of characteristics slipped a bit to the lowest of his presidency: 54% said he was honest and trustworthy; 50% said he shared their values; and 53% said he can manage the government effectively.

Those ratings, while respectable, are 10 to 12 points lower than during his run for president in 2000. Then, voters' sense that he was honest and straightforward were among his most valuable political strengths. His current rating as a "strong and decisive leader" is 62%, about the same as in 2000.

Favorable ratings of the Republican party fell to 46%, the lowest since Bush was elected president; 52% had a favorable view of the Democratic Party.