By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) – As he approaches the midway point of his first term, Governor Tom Corbett downplays polls that suggest his popularity with voters is lagging.

Corbett says his poll numbers go up and down, but that is no cause for concern.

“I’m in no worse position than Ed Rendell was. Go back and look at his polls – we have,” he said.

Actually, Terry Madonna – the director of the Franklin and Marshall College Poll – says while it’s true Rendell’s numbers were more negative than positive at this point in his tenure, Corbett’s job approval rating has been, on average, several points lower.

At any rate, the governor says he’s done what he said he would do, have the state live within its means, and that in a tough economy, that may not be popular.

“Everybody wants you to cut spending, but not their spending. Wait till you see what happens, if the fiscal cliff happens, with polls. So… I can’t go by that, I don’t go by that,” Corbett said.

Corbett says, nonetheless, he’s upbeat about his chances for a second term.