Rasmussen conducts a regular survey on whether voters intend to support the Republican candidate for Congress, or the Democrat. Their most recent survey shows that the Democratic advantage has closed to 8 points — the closest it has been in several months:
The Republicans have tightened the gap somewhat in the Generic Congressional Ballot. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that, if given the choice, 45% of voters would choose their district’s Democratic candidate, while 37% would choose the Republican candidate.
Just a few weeks ago the Democratic advantage was 13 points. Is there any issue other than energy that can account for the sudden Republican surge? Democrats have been counting on a double-digit gain in House seats, but they need to maintain an advantage on the generic ballot for those expectations to be realized. If other polls confirm that Republicans are closing the gap, expect Democrats in marginal seats to press hard for a vote on drilling.
