Yesterday's Omaha World-Herald reports that Senator Ben Nelson's job rating has fallen precipitously among Nebraska's registered voters, dipping to only 42% with 48% disapproving.    In April 2006, Nelson was named one of the Senate's most popular members, with 73 percent of Nebraskans approving of his performance.  He won reelection in November, 2006 with 64% of the vote in a state in which only 34% of the voters identify themselves as Democrats.

Nelson said the poll results come as no surprise, especially since Nebraskans have been "bombarded" with millions of dollars in "misleading advertisements."

He said he expects that people will come to appreciate the health care bill.

"I believe that, over time, as the special interest ads subside, Nebraskans will understand the bill I support will improve their health care, because it ends the denial of coverage due to pre-existing conditions, it reduces spiraling costs and it provides new access to coverage for 220,000 Nebraskans without health care today," Nelson said in a written statement.

Nelson has been aggressively arguing his case on radio shows and in meetings with newspaper editorial boards. The Nebraska Democratic Party has spent more than $350,000 on a media campaign in support of Nelson