Early Poll Numbers Bode Well for GOP

Early poll numbers indicate GOP candidates could be in strong positions come November. Some are attributing this to the Obama administration’s low approval ratings (just 46% give him positive marks in a Post-ABC poll). It is early, however, as much could happen between now and the 2010 election. The Washington Post reports:

For the first time in more than four years, Republicans run about evenly with Democrats on the basic question of which party they trust to handle the nation’s biggest problems. Among registered voters, 40 percent say they have more confidence in Democrats and 38 percent say they have more trust in Republicans. Three months ago, Democrats had a 12-point advantage.

On the economy, 43 percent of voters side with Republicans when it comes to dealing with financial problems, while 39 percent favor Democrats. (Fifteen percent say they trust neither party more.) Although not a significant lead for Republicans, this marks the first time they have had any numerical edge on the economy dating to 2002. In recent years, Democrats have typically held double-digit advantages on the issue.

The principal obstacles to GOP electoral hopes continue to be doubts that Republicans have a clear plan for the country should they win control of the House or Senate in November. But overall, the poll shows that the party has made big gains in the public’s estimation since earlier this year.

Among all voters, 47 percent say they would back the Republican in their congressional district if the election were held now, while 45 percent would vote for the Democrat. Any GOP advantage on this question has been rare in past years – and among those most likely to vote this fall, the Republican advantage swells to 53 percent to the Democrats’ 40 percent.

What do you think? Will the GOP enjoy a massive seat grab this year, or will anti-Obama sentiment taper off in a few months? Or, do you think most elections will become about the candidates and not the status of their parties? (Novel concept, I know.)

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