Governor Jodi Rell (R-CT) continues to be popular with her constituents, maintaining an impressive approval rating even after proposing an income tax hike. Quinnipiac University poll figures show Rell's approval numbers have remained above 70 percent for more than two years. Poll Director Doug Schwartz says he's never seen a governor so consistently popular, especially when there's talk of raising taxes. House Speaker Jim Amann (D-CT) says he's not surprised with the approval rating, but says politics is more than a popularity contest. Amann also made a comparison to being prom queen rather than governor. Amann came down hard on the governor's proposed budget Thursday, claiming it is fiscally and socially irresponsible. Schwartz admits Rell?s popularity hasn?t been tested and notes her approval rating could still drop due to the income tax controversy. Schwartz says it is early in Rell?s career and opinions are still being formed.