Poll: GOP grows stronger in generic congressional ballot
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By Michael Muskal
June 2, 2010 | 8:36 a.m.
Riding a wave of unhappiness among independents, Republicans have increased their lead over Democrats in the preference poll for Congress, the Gallup organization reported Wednesday.
Republicans were preferred over Democrats by 49% to 43% in the generic vote in which those surveyed were asked to pick a party rather than a candidate. It is the largest lead by Republicans in the 2010 midterm election year, according to the polling organization.
The results are based on telephone interviews of 1,594 voters between May 24 and 30. The margin of error is plus or minus three percentage points.
The GOP's continuing strength in the generic ballot suggests a strong showing in the congressional battle this year, though it is unclear whether Republicans can recapture either chamber. In general, the party out of power runs strongly against the president's party. The latest results coincide with a general drop in approval for President Obama, according to most polls.