The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that, if the Congressional Election were held today, 44% of American voters say they would vote for the Democrat in their district and 40% would opt for the Republican (see crosstabs). That’s unchanged from a month ago and the third straight month that the Democrats’ lead has been in single digits. It’s also the third straight month that support for the Democrats has been at 43% or 44%. Before that, support for the Democrats had been at the 45% level or higher for ten straight months.

Democrats lead by twelve among women while Republicans lead by three among men. Democrats lead among all age groups and have a 55% to 37% edge among voters under 30.

Republicans now enjoy a slight edge among unaffiliated voters—37% say they’ll vote for a Republican, 31% for a Democrat, 7% for a third-party option, and 25% remain undecided. A month ago, the parties essentially split the unaffiliated vote. Three months ago, the Democrats enjoyed a twenty-point advantage.

Just 13% of Americans currently give Congress good or excellent marks for their legislative efforts (see monthly results since Election 2006).

While the GOP has closed the gap on the Generic Congressional Ballot in recent months, the number of people who consider themselves to be Democrats has recently reached the highest level in three years.

Thirty-six percent (36%) of voters say Democrats are Very Likely to retain control of Congress following the 2008 elections. Another 39% say they are Somewhat Likely to retain control.

Rasmussen Markets data shows that Democrats are overwhelmingly favored to retain control of both the House and Senate (current prices: House % Senate %. Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. Using a trading format where traders "buy and sell" candidates, issues, and news features, the Rasmussen Markets harness competitive passions to provide a reliable leading indicator of upcoming events. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom of the market.

Forty percent (40%) of voters now see most Democrats in Congress as politically liberal. That’s up one point from a month ago and up five from 35% three months ago. Forty-one percent (41%) say most Democrats in Congress are politically moderate. That’s down from 44% in December (see tracking history).

Perceptions of Republicans in Congress have also shifted—43% now see most Republicans in Congress as politically conservative. That’s up from 40% a month ago but down from 45% two months ago. Thirty-eight percent (38%) see the GOP legislators as politically moderate, unchanged from a month ago (see tracking history).

Rasmussen Reports updates the Generic Congressional Ballot on a monthly basis. The Presidential Tracking Poll is updated daily.

Crosstabs and Historical Data are available to Premium Members only.