The gap between Republicans and Democrats in the Generic Congressional Ballot has tightened for the fifth straight week. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that, if given the choice, 45% of voters would choose their district’s Democratic candidate, while 36% would choose the Republican candidate.
Support for the Democrats is down a point from last week and two points from the week before. The party’s nine point lead is the smallest for the Democrats since May. From now through Election Day, Rasmussen Reports is tracking the Generic Congressional Ballot on a weekly basis. Crosstabs are available for Premium Members
Support for both parties has stayed in a very narrow range. Since weekly tracking on this question began in June, support for Democratic congressmen has ranged from 45% to 48%. Support for the GOP has ranged from 34% to 36%.
Among voters not affiliated with either political party, Republicans and Democrats are essentially even in this poll, with Democrats leading this week 31% to 28%. But, there are more Democrats in the nation than Republicans.
The parties are tied at 41% among men, while women prefer their Democratic candidates 49% to 33%. Republicans have a 45% to 36% lead among white men, while Democrats are favored 42% to 39% among white women. Both black men and women overwhelmingly support the Democrats.
The Democrats have a big advantage among voters who think economic issues are the most important in the upcoming election. A separate national poll finds that the economy is the top issue among voters. National security if often the second most important issue to voters, and among voters who see this issue as top priority, the Republicans have a 54% to 33% advantage. The GOP also has the advantage among voters who value cultural and fiscal issues most.
Congressional ratings fell to their lowest levels ever this month, with just 9% of voters who think Congress is doing a good or excellent job. The Rasmussen Consumer Index shows consumer and investor confidence are hovering near all-time lows.