Snyder's positive job approval ratings are in spite of the voter's negative view of the direction the state. A majority of the voters (55 percent) believe the state is on the wrong track, but that is better than the 72 percent of voters who believed the state was on the wrong track in MRG's September 2010 poll before the elections.

"The people of Michigan like what they see from the new administration and appear to be more optimistic about the future of our state," said Tom Shields, President of Marketing Resource Group. "Governor Snyder is certainly benefiting from the goodwill and hope most people have for new political leaders."

In comparison, Governor Jennifer Granholm had a 62 percent approval rating in March of 2003, just three months into her first term, but left office with a dismal approval rating of 35 percent with 55 percent disapproving the job she did (September 2010 poll).

"The data shows that Governor Granholm came into office with strong approval," said Dave Doyle, Executive Vice President of Marketing Resource Group. "But the governor failed to capitalize on her political momentum and squandered her opportunity in office."

On the other hand, Governor John Engler entered office in 1991 with an approval rating of only 35 percent and left office with an overall approval of 47 percent.

The MRG poll was conducted January 24-27 and surveyed 600 likely voters. The margin of error is ± 4%. Smaller samples have larger margins of error.