As Democrats took control of Congress for the first time in 12 years, 48% of Likely Voters trust Democratic Congressional leaders on key issues more than they trust President Bush. Just 38% take the opposite view and have more trust in the President.

As the new Congress convenes, Iraq is the most important issue to be addressed according to 37% of American voters. Immigration tops the list for 20% followed by Health Care (13%) and the economy (12%). The Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of 800 Likely Voters was conducted January 3-4, 2007.

Iraq topped the list for Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated voters. However, for Republicans and unaffiliateds, immigration was number 2. For Democrats, health care and the economy were essentially tied for a distant second.

Overall, voters aren’t terribly optimistic about seeing these issues addressed. Just 7% say it’s very likely that Congress and the President will resolve their top issue. Republicans, perhaps surprisingly, are a bit more optimistic than Democrats.

Those who name the situation in Iraq as the most important issue are more optimistic than others—13% of this group believe it is very likely progress will be made. Another 39% say progress is somewhat likely.

The most pessimistic assessment comes from those who see immigration as the top issue. Only 1% believe it is very likely that serious progress will be made. Another 23% say progress is somewhat likely. However, two-thirds (68%) say progress on immigration is not likely.