Americans are evenly divided as to why Congress is subpoenaing Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice about pre-war intelligence. Forty percent (40%) believe the representatives are legitimately interested in gathering information. However, just about as many, 39% suspect the primary purpose is to embarrass the Bush administration.

Rice has been subpoenaed to testify about the claim that the Saddam government sought weapons-grade uranium from Niger, a charge which has been both vigorously defended and vigorously disputed for years. The subpoena comes on the heels of formal inquiries into the firings of prosecutors and public testimony by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales (a plurality believes Gonzales should resign.

The Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that only 38% of Americans have been following news of Rice’s subpoena. Fifty-nine percent (59%) have paid little or no attention to the story.

A plurality of 43% say that Rice should comply with the subpoena while 22% disagree and say she should not.

Just 31% say it is likely that Rice will comply while 42% say it is not likely.

An overwhelming majority of 83% agree that the separation of power between Congress and the White House is at least somewhat important. That includes 63% who say it's Very Important.

A separate survey found that 57% of American voters have a favorable opinion of Rice. Thirty-nine percent (39%) have an unfavorable view.

Political observers had predicted that if the Democrats achieved a congressional majority, the second half of the second term of the Bush administration would see a sharp rise in congressional investigations of that administration. Democrats themselves have stipulated they're eager to play catch-up when it comes to oversight of the executive branch.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.