More than 50 percent of southern Illinois voters disapprove of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s job performance, according to a new poll.

In a poll of 400 registered voters in the state’s 18 southernmost counties conducted by Southern Illinois University’s Paul Simon Institute of Public Policy, Rauner’s approval rating stands at 37.4 percent.

Considering Rauner carried some of these counties with 70 percent of the vote, professor John Jackson believes Rauner is taking a hit for his role in budget stalemate.

Other results show discontent from voters on the direction of both the state and the nation. 78.8 percent said the country is on the wrong track, while 79.8 percent said the state is moving in the wrong direction.
50.9 percent said their city or local area was heading in the right direction.

In other State news, two of Danville’s favorite sons have not forgotten their hometown.

A foundation has taken possession of the boyhood home of Dick and Jerry Van Dyke, brothers who made it big in show business.

Proceeds from the Dick Van Dyke Foundation will fund arts education and advocacy.