The Democrats’ lead remains unchanged in the latest edition of the Generic Congressional Ballot. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that, if given the choice, 46% of voters would choose their district’s Democratic candidate, while 38% would choose the Republican candidate.

Support for both parties is up a point from last week, maintaining an eight-point lead for the Democrats.

From now through Election Day, Rasmussen Reports is tracking the Generic Congressional Ballot on a weekly basis and releasing the results each Thursday.

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.

Men continue to be divided between the parties, while women consistently support the Democrats. While 41% of men would vote Republican, 42% would vote Democratic. Women choose Barack Obama’s party by a 49% to 35% margin (see full crosstabs).

Voters who have served in the military favor the GOP by a 45% to 36% margin. Those who have not served vote Democrat, 48% to 36%. The same is true for voters who have family serving in the armed forces. Those who do have loved ones serving choose the GOP, 42% to 38%, while those who do not vote Democrat by a 48% to 37% margin.

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Voters who consider the economy to be the most important issue of this year’s election overwhelmingly favor the Democratic party, while those who say national security is the top issue heavily favor the Republicans.

Barack Obama has maintained a steady lead over John McCain nationally over the past several weeks, according to the daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

Rasmussen Reports tracking data also shows just 10% of voters believe the nation is heading in the right direction, while 87% think the country has gotten off on the wrong track. Those numbers have changed little over the past week.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members Only.