Dems Up For Congress
by Scott Rasmussen
Issue 106 - April 23, 2008

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that, if the Congressional Election were held today, 43% of American voters say they would vote for the Democrat in their district and 37% would opt for the Republican (see crosstabs).

Last month, those numbers were 44% Democrat and 40% Republican. March represents the fourth straight month that the Democrats’ lead has been in the single digits. It’s also the fourth straight month that support for the Democrats has been at 43% or 44%. Before that, support for the Democrats had been at the 45% level or higher for ten straight months.

Democrats now lead by fifteen among women while Republicans lead by just three among men. The Democrats lead in all age groups with the exception of adults between the ages of 40 and 49, where the two parties are tied at 42%.

Democrats have reclaimed the lead among unaffiliated voters this month. Among those voters, 31% would vote Democratic, 25% would vote Republican, 10% would choose another Party, and 34% are not sure.

Just 13% of Americans currently give Congress good or excellent marks for their legislative efforts (see monthly results since Election 2006).

While the GOP has closed the gap on the Generic Congressional Ballot in recent months, the number of people who consider themselves to be Democrats has soared at its highest level in years.

Thirty-six percent (36%) of voters say Democrats are Very Likely to retain control of Congress following the 2008 elections. Another 36% say they are Somewhat Likely to retain control.

Rasmussen Markets data shows that Democrats are overwhelmingly favored to retain control of both the House and Senate (current prices: House 90.2% Senate 90.4%). Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets--it costs nothing to join.

Forty percent (40%) of voters see most Democrats in Congress as politically liberal. That number is unchanged since last month. Forty-one percent (48%) say most Democrats in Congress are politically moderate. (see tracking history).

Perceptions of Republicans in Congress have shifted a bit to the right—45% now see most Republicans in Congress as politically conservative. That’s up from 43% a month ago and 40% two months ago. Thirty-eight percent (33%) see the GOP legislators as politically moderate, down five points from last month (see tracking history).

Scott Rasmussen is president of Rasmussen Reports and has been an independent pollster for more than a decade. Rasmussen Reports is an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information. The Rasmussen Reports ElectionEdge™ Premium Service for Election 2008 offers the most comprehensive public opinion coverage ever provided for a Presidential election.