Though Democrats continue to stand behind him, 52 percent of Florida voters disapprove of the way President Obama is handling his job while 44 percent approve, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday.

The numbers are similar to a May 1 poll, which showed 50 percent of the state’s voters disapproving of the president’s performance.

The new poll reinforced a sharp divide among the state’s voters: Only 7 percent of Republican voters approved of the job Obama is doing, while 84 percent of Democrats approved. Meanwhile, 40 percent of independents approved and 54 percent disapproved.

The poll had better numbers for Florida’s U.S. senators, Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Bill Nelson. Of those polled, 49 percent approved of the way Rubio is handling his job, while 37 percent disapproved. Nelson received approval from 45 percent of voters, with 32 percent disapproving.

The Connecticut-based Quinnipiac frequently conducts polls in Florida and other states. The latest poll of 1,251 registered voters was conducted from July 17 to July 21.

EDITORS NOTE: This column is courtesy of News Service of Florida.