Shutdown hurts Dem re-election effort in Ark.

A poll recently conducted by the University of Arkansas finds Sen. Mark Pryor, D-Ark., faces an uphill battle in his 2014 re-election bid because of a hit to his popularity during the 16-day government shutdown.

Pryor’s approval rating fell to 34 percent in the final days of the shutdown, which is down from 53 percent a year ago, according to Arkansas Business and Associated Press reporting.

Both Republicans and Democrats in the Natural State were hurt by the shutdown. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., saw his approval rating also dip to 34 percent, down from 45 percent in the past year. However, the poll showed Arkansans blamed President Barack Obama and Democrats more – 39 percent – compared to 27 percent of those polled who blamed Republicans more and 34 percent who blamed both parties. 

Read more from Arkansas Business.