GOP STAYS AHEAD ON GENERIC BALLOT – AT 10:19 A.M. ET:  Scott Rasmussen continues to monitor the standing of the parties in the congressional generic ballot, and has some reasonably good news for Republicans:

Republicans hold a seven-point lead over Democrats on the Generic Congressional Ballot for the week ending December 19, 2010.

New Rasmussen Reports telephone polling finds that 45% of Likely Voters nationwide say they would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate, while 38% would choose the Democrat instead.

During the week of the midterm elections, Republicans led on the Generic Ballot by 10 points, but in the weeks since their lead had narrowed to the five-to six-point range. The numbers are now climbing back toward their pre-election levels.

Last week, Republicans posted a similar 45% to 39% lead over the Democrats. The week before the election, support for Republicans peaked at 51%, the highest level of support either party has enjoyed in the last two years

Republicans lead by 17 points among men but basically run even among women. They hold a 12-point lead among voters not affiliated with either major political party.

COMMENT:  Those remain pretty solid numbers.  I'm especially impressed by the fact, at least according to this survey, that the GOP has closed the gender gap.  If they can keep it closed, that is a major plus in any future election.

But stand by.  Republicans take over the House in a matter of weeks, and will have near-parity in the Senate.  They will have to work to maintain their lead.  Time to produce, Republicans.  No more party of no.

December 21, 2010