Forty percent (40%) of Americans say that used-car salesmen are generally more ethical than members of Congress. A Rasmussen Reports survey finds that Just 27% believe the nation's elected representatives are more ethical.

That low level of expectation by the general public provides the context for public perceptions of the Abramoff scandal. Just 15% of Americans believe Abramoff did anything different than what lobbyists typically do. Forty-seven percent (47%) say Abramoff's actions were the norm while 38% are not sure.

A slight majority of Americans (52%) believe the Abramoff scandal involves members of both parties in Congress. Seventeen percent (17%) say it involves Republicans while 5% say it involves Democrats.

As an election issue, people say that political corruption in important, but they don't see a clear solution. Just 31% believe there will be less corruption if Democrats win control of Congress. That figure is offset by 24% who say there will be more corruption with Democrats in power. A plurality (39%) say nothing much would change.

As you would expect, there are tremendous partisan differences on responses to that question. Among those who are not affiliated with either major party, 49% say corruption would remain about the same if the Democrats are put in charge.

Rasmussen Reports is monitoring public reaction to the issues that may impact Election 2006 on a daily basis. We are also polling every Senate and Governor's race at least once a month.

Republicans are evenly divided as to whether used-car salesman or members of Congress are more ethical. Democrats lean to the used-car salesmen by a 42% to 27% margin. Those not affiliated with either major party are even more distrustful of Congress. By a 46% to 15% margin, they say that used-car salesman are more ethical.

Just 20% of Americans say they are following news about the Abramoff scandal very closely. Another 25% are following it "somewhat closely."

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