The Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. (PHOTO CREDIT: KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
The Democrats may be in for some trouble come next year's midterm elections.
A new Gallup poll shows 46 percent of registered voters say they would vote for the Democrat in their congressional district if the election were held today; but 44 percent say they'd support the Republican - a virtual tie.
The Democrats held a much larger lead over Republicans for most of 2006 through 2008.
What's interesting here is that the stronger showing by the Republicans comes from the support of independents - who now favor Republicans over Democrats by 45 to 36 percent. In July, it was even.
Another potential sign of trouble for Democrats is Congress' job approval rating - now a dismal 21 percent. Democrats are in charge in both houses.
Historically in midterm elections - the party that holds the White House loses seats in Congress. The average loss is 16 House seats, but some election experts think the Democrats could lose a lot more in 2010.
One analyst says the Democrats have 25 to 30 seats that are "truly vulnerable," plus another 40 where there's a chance of a "competitive race." He says Republicans only have 10 to 15 vulnerable seats.
Even though President Obama's approval ratings have moved back up a little... and Democrats are hoping for results on health care and the economy, those independents - along with seniors - are moving toward the Republican column. And seniors are the group more likely to turn out and vote in midterm elections.
Here’s my question to you: How bad will the 2010 midterm elections be for the Democrats?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
AC from Los Angeles writes:
Jack, It will probably be bad, they already are an endangered species where I live. We should send them all packing: Democrats, for not taking advantage of the opportunity to get something done and Republicans, for being spiteful obstructionists.
Gerry from California writes:
Pretty bad, but whatever happens it couldn't be bad enough. The Democratic Party has been taken over by socialists and in some cases outright Marxists. They have over-mortgaged America's future, and there is more long-term economic damage to come before they get heaved out in 2010.
Dorothy from Kentucky writes:
Won't be bad at all, Jack. Democrats may lose a few seats, but do you honestly think that there are enough idiots out there to put the Republicans back in the majority? Not even if they wanted to, we will see to that.
Chris from California writes:
What will it matter if Republicans gain back seats next year? There is very little substantive difference between the two parties anymore. No matter which party is in charge, the centralized state wins and liberty loses.
Randy from Sierra Vista, California writes:
Can you say lame duck president?
Ed writes:
If a viable 3rd party were an option, then I think the Democrats would be in even worse shape. In any case, my wife and I are independents and at this point I can't imagine voting for any Democrat who isn't conservative, middle-of-the-road and willing to stand up for their beliefs. The biggest thing helping the Democrats are the far right GOP candidates.
Francoise writes:
Jack, A year in politics is a lifetime. I have barely caught my breath from the presidential election and was hoping to bask in victory for a little while longer! By 2010, the economy could be better, health care reform passed, almost out of Iraq, and whatever else will come our way. It could be OK for Democrats, please spare me the anguish right now.