Schwarzenegger's popularity declines due to sex scandal

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Though not California governor anymore, Arnold Schwarzenegge's popularity among voters has declined sharply since the revelation that he fathered a boy 14 years ago with a former household staff member, according to a survey published on Saturday.

Three of four California voters surveyed have a negative image of Schwarzenegger, a rate lower than at any time during his two terms in office, said the Field Poll.

The former Republican governor's 75 percent unfavorable rating knows no political, geographical or demographic bounds. Whether Democrat or Republican, young or old, male or female, white or non- white -- voters' image of Schwarzenegger is at an all-time low, according to the poll published by The Los Angeles Times. Statewide, only 20 percent of those surveyed had a favorable view of Schwarzenegger, the poll showed.

Schwarzenegger's approval rating fluctuated while he was in office, reaching as high as 63 percent in March 2007.

The distance of Schwarzenegger's fall from grace is shocking, said Field Poll director Mark DiCamillo.

"His image ratings have always been higher than his job ratings, " he added. "Now his personal rating is as low as his job rating."

Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver, once the focus of the public opinions and still is, separated in mid-May after the former first lady of the state learned her husband fathered a child with a longtime member of their household staff.

The woman had worked for the former first family for 20 years, and retired in January, according to press reports.