Poll Watch: Republicans Top Democrats on Generic Congressional Ballot

For the second time in five years of polling the GOP tops the Democrats in the generic congressional ballot.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that 41% would vote for their district’s Republican candidate while 38% would choose the Democrat. Thirty-one percent (31%) of conservative Democrats said they would vote for their district’s Republican candidate.

Overall, the GOP gained two points this week, while the Democrats lost a point in support. Still, it’s important to note that the GOP’s improved position comes primarily from falling Democratic support. Democrats are currently at their lowest level of support in the past year while Republicans are at the high water mark.

Over the past year, Democratic support has ranged from a low of 38% to a high of 50%. In that same time period, Republicans have been preferred by 34% to 41% of voters nationwide.

During calendar 2009, Democratic support has ranged from 38% to 42% and the Republican range has been from 35% to 41%.

With political pundits heralding the death of the Republican Party and the American economy in the tank, there appears to be hope for Republicans who are in the wilderness.

Was the Arlen Specter switch to the Democrat Party yesterday, the low for the GOP?