As Election 2006 was unfolding, just 15% of Americans rated the performance of Congress as good or excellent. A Rasmussen Reports survey of 1,000 Likely voters found that 33% gave Congressional performance a “fair” rating while 50% said poor. The survey, conducted Monday and Tuesday night, November 6 and 7, gives a clear indication as to why voters were ready for a change (see crosstabs).

Just 17% of Americans believe that Congress had passed any legislation in the preceding year that will “significantly improve life in America.” Fifty-five percent (55%) said it had not. In fact, even though Republicans controlled Congress, just 29% of the GOP faithful believed that anything so significant had been passed.

Showing that American distrust of politicians is alive and well, just 12% believe that most Members of Congress are sincerely interested in helping people. Seventy-five percent (75%) believe that most in Congress are primarily interested in advancing their own careers. Earlier in 2006, a Rasmussen Reports survey found that a plurality of Americans believe used-car salesmen are more trustworthy than Members of Congress.

Looking ahead, 43% believe it is at least somewhat likely that Congress will seriously address the important issues facing our nation in the coming year. Fifty percent (50%) say such attention to the public business is not very or not at all likely.

Rasmussen Reports will be tracking voter attitudes on these questions every other week to monitor any impact from the shift in partisan control.

Crosstabs are available to Premium Members only.