by Laura Olson
Democrats in Congress may be seeing the impact of the Republican re-excitement.
A USA Today/Gallup survey released Friday shows only a 3 percent lead, 48 percent to 45 percent, among registered voters for Democratic candidates when asking about a generic ballot. Democrats have held a sizable lead in this area since winning back Congress in 2006.
Among likely voters, Republicans now hold a 5 percent lead over Democratic candidates, 50 percent to 45 percent.
The survey, conducted Sept. 5-7, asked voters for their preference between the Democratic candidate and the Republican in their congressional district, without naming specific names.
According to the poll, 92 percent of Democratic voters support the Democratic candidate in their district, and 94 percent of Republicans support the Republican contender. Among independents, 44 percent would choose the Democratic candidate and 40 percent back the Republican.
Congressional Democrats have enjoyed an election outlook predicting gains in both houses, further cementing their majorities. But Gallup researchers pointed several factors that may be boosting Republican candidates, such as Sen. John McCain's improved standing against Sen. Barack Obama in the presidential race, and an increase in GOP party identification among voters.
Other polls show a less-stark contrast than the Gallup poll, but still point to a narrowing gap between the two congressional parties.
Last week's Rasmussen Reports poll still favors the Democratic candidates, 45 percent to 37 percent. Even an eight-point advantage, though, is a decline from the party's previous double-digit lead.
The Gallup researchers also noted the low congressional approval rating, with only 18 percent of Americans in August saying they approve of Congress' work, as a struggling point for Democrats.
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Comments
Looks like all the Democrats are sinking with Obama-
Lets hope so Red Blooded Americans -
Posted by: George | September 15, 2008 3:55 PM
Unfortunately for Republicans, congressional races are not national popular vote contests. They are contested individually, and unless there is an unforeseen landslide for McCain, the Republicans are still on target to lose several seats in the Senate and more in the House.
Once Democrats have control of both branches (as opposed to a 50-50 split with Lieberman voting with the GOP on most national issues), the perception of Congress will change. No more obstructionist Republicans getting in the way of progress after 6 years of their own failure. And if McCain wins, he will have to work across the aisle if he wants to get any of his agenda passed.
Posted by: Ed | September 15, 2008 4:01 PM
i think that the republicans will make a bigger comback in the next month due to the point most teens are just getting registered and most are republicans.... well at least in the state of texas... REPUBLICAN POWER!!!
Posted by: madiison | September 15, 2008 4:11 PM
As a veteran and a FORMER REPUBLICAN, I can honestly say that Barack Obama represents more of what I have stood for all my life than what John McCain does. Being a former POW and someone who has voted over 90% of the time with the Bush Administration is not enough to earn my vote. These past 8 yrs have been an absolute disgrace for Republicans and I never thought I'd see the day when I would become a Democrat, but they now represent more of what I believe in then the current Repub's. You should be ashamed of yourself if you voted for Bush both times and are willing to vote for more of the same. This country cannot and will not stand for more failure.
Posted by: Charlie | September 15, 2008 5:12 PM
Americans are starting to pay attention and do not like the higher taxes and higher spending of Obama-Pelosi-Reid. Nor do they like the defeatest foriegn policy of the trio.
Posted by: Terry | September 15, 2008 6:13 PM
Don't call it a comeback. We've been here for years. Rockin' your peers (Kerry, Gore anyone?), puttin' suckas like Obama in fear and makin' the lefties tears rain down like a MONsoon.
Listen to the bass go boom. Explosions and overpowerin' Ova the competition, McCain is towerin'Wreckin shop, when I drop these lyrics that'll make Biden call the cops. Don't Joe dare stare. He better move, don't eva compare, the GOP to the rest who will all get sliced and diced, DNC is payin' the price.
McCain's gonna knock u out. Mama Sarah Palin said knock u, knock u out!
p.s. This is dedicated to C. Morris. I miss you, C!
Posted by: Jeff | September 15, 2008 8:11 PM
Trouble for the Democrats? With a candidate who posits no new ideas, who has no discernable fixed principles; representing a party that stands for nothing, that functions simply as an employment agency for politicians... well what else can you expect?
Posted by: MJ | September 15, 2008 9:43 PM
Neither Party Deserves huge majority's in Congress. But Gas Prices, Fanny MAC-Is there fault and there hands are covered in the corrupt blood.
Charlie Rangel is staying in charges of Tax yet he pays none!!! Also were at the end of this map, will be redistircted in 2010-2012. Also the Rift Raft was thrown out in 06!!
Posted by: David | September 16, 2008 11:03 AM