Just how bad is it for Democrats? Were an election held in Mayberry, Sheriff Andy would be toast.That’s right — Andy Griffith, chief North Carolina closer for the Democratic Party has seen his popularity crash 25%. Why?He volunteered to be the face of Obamacare.

In July he cut an ad for the U.S. government promising “good things” to come from the Democratic-backed health care law. The ad prompted five Republican U.S. senators to accuse the Obama administration of using taxpayer money to bolster his policies.And as the poll suggests, the ad may have tainted the Griffith brand.”Clearly it’s pushback from the president’s health care plan,” said Brad Crone, a Democratic consultant who is working with legislative candidates. “It’s a good time to call up Barney Fife.”

Oh well. A Republican Sheriff wouldn’t be so tolerant of drunks and incompetents, I’m sure.