Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is now viewed favorably by 19% of American voters and unfavorably by 45%. Just 3% have a Very Favorable opinion while 22% hold a Very Unfavorable views.

Reid has been very visible over the past week in the furor over immigration reform. The effort to pass a bill that was more popular in Congress than among voters may have hurt public perceptions of the Democratic leader. His ratings are down from a month ago when 26% had a favorable opinion of the Democratic Senator. Reid’s highest ratings were 30% favorable in February.

Each week, Rasmussen Reports updates favorability ratings for a number of political figures and others in the news. The latest numbers for Defense Secretary Robert Gates reflect a steady decline in recent months. He is now viewed favorably by 36% of Americans and unfavorably by 34%. Last December, 49% have a favorable opinion and only 26% held a negative opinion.

Vice President Dick Cheney’s numbers held steady—38% favorable and 58% unfavorable.

Among Presidential hopefuls, it was a good week for Fred Thompson. He is now viewed favorably by 45% and unfavorably by 31% A month ago, 39% had a favorable opinion and 27% voiced the opposite view. Thompson moved into second place among those seeking the GOP Presidential Nomination and is competitive in general election match-ups with many leading Democrats.

Barack Obama and John Edwards both saw their numbers drop. Obama, a charismatic newcomer, is seen now favorably by 50% and unfavorably by 44%. That’s the highest level of unfavorables Rasmussen Reports has ever measured for Obama. Other polling out this week showed Obama falling behind Republican frontrunner Rudy Giuliani by double digits.

Edwards’ newest numbers are 52% favorable and 38% favorable. That’s just a slight decline from 55% favorable a month ago.

And, finally, there’s Scooter Libby, convicted to 30 months in prison during the week. He is now viewed favorably by just 19% of Americans, unfavorably by 57%. Earlier, he was viewed favorably by 24% and unfavorably by just 37%.

Look for this “faves” update every Saturday at Rasmussen Reports. You can also review our continuously updated favorability ratings and general election match-ups for all Democratic and Republican candidates. Also available are continuously updated ratings for Members of Congress, Other Political Figures, and Journalists.

A recent tracking survey found that voters trust Democrats more than Republicans on ten key issues including taxes and national security. Democrats continue to lead on the Generic Congressional Ballot but their lead is smaller than a month ago.

Rasmussen Reports releases updated polling data for the Democrats’ nominating contest are updated on Mondays. Republican results are updated every each Tuesday.

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