The Democrats’ lead in the Generic Congressional Ballot has fallen slightly for the fourth week in a row. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that, if given the choice, 44% of voters would choose their district’s Democratic candidate, while 38% would choose the Republican candidate.

From now through Election Day, Rasmussen Reports is tracking the Generic Congressional Ballot on a weekly basis and releasing the results each Tuesday. Premium Members can get an advance look at the results each Monday and can also review full demographic Crosstabs.

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This week means more good news for the GOP, whose deficit has slowly decreased from eleven points at the end of August. The gap between the two parties is the smallest it’s been since April 29.

Over the past year, Democratic support has ranged from a low of 43% to a high of 50%. Over that same time, Republicans have been preferred by 34% to 41% of voters nationwide.

The parties are neck-and-neck among unaffiliated voters, with the Democrats earning support from 33% and the GOP from 31%. Among men, the GOP has a 43% to 40% advantage. Among women, the Democrats lead 48% to 34%.

Democrats have a 63% to 19% lead among voters who characterize themselves as pro-choice on the issue of abortion, while Republicans lead 64% to 21% among voters who are pro-life.

The GOP leads 47% to 38% among voters who shop at Wal-Mart several times a month, while the Democrats lead 56% to 27% among those who rarely or never shop there. The parties are nearly tied among voters who occasionally shop at the super store.

Rasmussen Reports tracking data also shows just 23% of voters believe the nation is heading in the right direction, while 73% think the country has gotten off on the wrong track. Those numbers have remained relatively steady since weekly tracking began.

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll continues to show a tight race between John McCain and Barack Obama.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.