Poll: Republicans, Democrats even in congressional voting preference
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Republicans and Democrats are tied in congressional voting preference, according to the Gallup tracking poll released on Wednesday, suggesting that whatever gains the GOP made because of the healthcare insurance overhaul vote have stalled.
The latest poll, based on telephone interviews with 1,344 registered voters, 18 and older, conducted March 29 to April 4, showed registered voters tied at 46%. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Gallup said that its tracking polls from March through early this month have consistently found voters closely divided. The race for control of the House of Representatives was slightly tighter in the two weeks after the final passage of healthcare than it was earlier in March, when the Democrats led by a slight margin.
But the current tie means that whatever gains made by Republicans, who staunchly opposed the legislation, seemed to have decreased. The current poll also comes as Congress is in holiday recess and news about lawmakers has fallen sharply.
Still, even parity is good news for the GOP, which polls show is expected to have an advantage in voter turnout.
-- Michael Muskal
