Fifty-three percent (53%) of U.S. voters have a favorable opinion of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. That figure includes 30% with a Very Favorable view of the former U.S. senator and first lady.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% have an unfavorable opinion, a figure that includes 24% with a Very Unfavorable view.

Clinton’s earns even better reviews for her role as secretary of State. Fifty-nine percent (59%) of voters offer their approval while 35% disapprove. Those figures include 31% who Strongly Approve and 15% who Strongly Disapprove.

These findings are down slightly from February just before Clinton’s first overseas trip as secretary of State but are similar to those a month earlier before she assumed the chief position at the State Department.

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In terms of personal favorable ratings, there is a huge gender gap. Sixty-one percent (61%) of women offer a favorable assessment of Clinton, but only 44% of men agree.

However, the gender gap disappears when it comes to her job performance. Sixty percent (60%) of women approve of the way she’s handled that role as do 57% of men.

Naturally, there is a partisan difference. Seventy-nine percent (79%) of Democrats view Clinton favorably, but only 26% of Republicans concur. As for the job she’s doing, 89% of Democrats approve while 63% of Republicans disapprove.

Those not affiliated with either party offer mixed reviews. Roughly half of unaffiliateds view the former presidential candidate favorably and approve of the job she’s doing as secretary of State.

Polling released earlier today shows that 15% of voters believe Clinton is Very Likely to become the first woman president of the United States. Another 23% say she is Somewhat Likely to achieve that honor.

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