GOP ROMPS IN GENERIC BALLOT – AT 10:57 A.M. ET:  Scott Rasmussen reports a spectacular showing for the Republican Party in the Congressional generic ballot:

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of Likely Voters would vote for their district's Republican congressional candidate, while 36% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent. The survey data was collected on the seven days ending Sunday, September 5, 2010.

This matches the largest advantage ever measured for the Republicans. Three weeks ago, the GOP also held a 12-point lead.

Still, while the margin has varied somewhat from week-to-week, Republicans have been consistently ahead in the Generic Ballot for over a year. During 2010, the GOP edge has never fallen below five points. When Barack Obama first took office as president of the United States, the Democrats enjoyed a seven-point lead on the Generic Ballot.

COMMENT:  Of course, the result comes from questions that usually begin, "If the election were held today..."  And, as some political wag once said, "If the election were held today, I'd be very surprised."

The key for the Republicans is to keep this lead through the real election on November 2nd.  There is some concern in GOP circles that the party may have peaked too soon.  However, experienced analysts point out that the summer before a midterm election is crucial, and that the party leading at the end of the summer normally wins on election day. 

September 6, 2010