Following Tom DeLay's announcement that he is leaving office, just 20% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the embattled Congressman. The latest Rasmussen Reports national opinion survey found that 45% have an unfavorable opinion of him.

It is unusual for a member of Congress to have such high name recognition. For most politicians, a majority of Americans would have no opinion one way or the other.

The survey also found that, when it comes to ethics, Americans are still grading members of Congress on a curve. Despite having a low opinion of DeLay, 57% of Americans believe that he is at least as ethical as most politicians. Twenty-seven percent (27%) believe he is less ethical than most.

This suggests that while Americans aren't pleased with DeLay, they view his actions as the norm for politicians. Over the years, we have found this same reaction to many politicians caught in controversial situations. Earlier this year, a Rasmussen Reports survey found that just 15% believed convicted former lobbyist Jack Abramoff did anything out of the norm for his profession. That same survey found that a plurality of Americans believe used-car salesman are more ethical than members of Congress.

Rasmussen Reports state-by-state surveys over the past month have also found that a majority of voters across the country believe that most politicians will change their vote on a key issue in exchange for a campaign contribution.

Fifteen percent (15%) of Americans believe DeLay's resignation will help Republicans in this fall's elections while 29% say it will help the Democrats. A plurality (39%) believe it will have no impact.

Liberals, by a 44% to 7% margin, believe this news will help the Democrats. Conservatives are evenly divided on the question.

Just 58% of Americans say they are following news of the DeLay story "somewhat" or "very" closely. That's less than the 72% who say the same about the debate over immigration, but slightly higher than interest in the nomination and confirmation of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.

Those who are not affiliated with either major political party are less interested in the story than their more partisan peers.

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