The chief executive officers of the nation’s largest corporations are viewed favorably by just 22% of American adults, lower even than the ratings earned by members of Congress.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 26% now have a favorable opinion of the nation’s legislators. Both CEOs and those in Congress are viewed Very Favorably by only three percent (3%) of Americans.

Stockbrokers and financial analysts (37%) as well as journalists and reporters (38%) are held in higher regard. Lawyers (41%) and bankers (44%) do even better.

At the top of the list in terms of favorability are small business owners (92%), those who start their own businesses (88%) and pastors and other local religious leaders (72%). (see crosstabs).

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Although not a part of this particular survey, President Obama continues to earn solid job approval ratings. Earlier this month, most voters felt congressmen from both major political parties are far less bipartisan than the president.

There are some clear partisan differences in the latest favorability ratings.

Among Democrats, 41% view members of Congress favorably while just 15% say the same about corporate CEOs. By contrast, 31% of Republicans have a favorable opinion of CEOs, but only 14% feel the same way about those in Congress.

Those not affiliated with either major party don’t think highly of either group. Twenty-three percent (23%) of unaffiliateds have a favorable opinion of CEOs, and 19% regard members of Congress that way.

Neither group has fared well in recent polling. Voters overwhelmingly opposed bonuses for executives at companies that received bailout funds. By a two-to-one margin, voters said no matter how bad things are, Congress can make them worse. An earlier survey found that used car salesmen are more likely to be trusted than members of Congress.

Most Democrats (56%) also have a favorable opinion of journalists and reporters. That view is shared by 35% of unaffiliateds but only 19% of Republicans.

Eighty-five percent (85%) of Republicans view pastors and other religious leaders favorably, as do 66% of Democrats and 66% of unaffiliated voters.

Democrats are less enthusiastic than others about small business owners and those who start their own businesses.

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See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.