Mayor Emanuel's approval rating dropping, Tribune poll says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel's approval rating is dropping, according to a new poll from the Chicago Tribune.

The mayor's approval rating is now at 35 percent, down from about 50 percent over the past two years.

Mayor Emanuel on Thursday blamed a sluggish economy for his dipping numbers.

The drop in approval was seen across the board in all major race, gender, age, and income groups.

Mayor Emanuel Thursday said the dipping poll numbers are not part of his priorities.

"How many kids are now meeting national academic standards, how many small businesses have been created? Those are the numbers I will focus on," he said. "I am not going to put my personal politics ahead of the future of the city of Chicago."

The poll also found if the election were held Thursday it would be a close race between Mayor Emanuel and CTU President Karen Lewis.