GOP SOARS IN CONGRESS POLL – AT 8:39 P.M. ET:  Scott Rasmussen reports that the Republicans are now solidly ahead in the generic preferences for Congress:

Republican candidates have now stretched their lead over Democrats to 10 points in the Generic Congressional Ballot, their biggest lead ever in nearly three years of weekly tracking. The GOP has been leading on the ballot for months.

The new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 45% would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate while 35% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent. Voter support for GOP congressional candidates increased slightly from last week, while support for Democrats fell two points.

Republicans started 2010 ahead by nine points, while support for Democrats fell to its lowest level over the same period. Towards the end of 2009, GOP candidates enjoyed a more modest lead over Democrats, with the gap between the two down to four points in early December. Since the beginning of the year, however, the Republican lead hasn’t dipped below seven points.

COMMENT:  Well, that's good, but the election isn't being held today.  Republicans should run as if they're ten points behind.

It's true that Democrats are self-destructing, but their ability to campaign is considerably greater than their ability to govern.  We'll see them in campaign mode in the fall.  Don't underestimate them.

March 16, 2010