Republican Stock Rises on the Congressional Front

2 years ago

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The number of registered voters who say they would cast ballots for Democrats or Republicans in 2010 is virtually tied, with 46 percent favoring the Democrats and 44 percent supporting the Republicans with 10 percent undecided, according to a Gallup poll conducted Oct. 1-4. The margin of error is 4 points.

In July, 50 percent said they'd vote for the Democratic candidates compared to 44 percent for Republicans with 7 percent undecided.

Generic polls like these are of questionable value as predictors, since most voters make their actual district-by-district decisions on specific candidates. House incumbents have enjoyed re-election rates ranging from 87 percent to 98 percent since 1964, and the re-election rate in the Senate has been 75 percent or above since 1986.

But taken together with yesterday's Gallup poll showing a sharp drop in approval of Congress, these numbers do provide some hope for Republicans after two cycles of big losses.

Filed Under: Senate, House, Democrats, Republicans, Polls, Poll Watch, 2010 Elections, Congress

Tagged: polls

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