Approval Ratings on the Rise for Congressional Democrats

Congressional Democrats have reached a milestone with the highest recorded approval ratings since the party took control of both chambers in the 2006 election, according to the latest Gallup polling.

Nearly four in ten, 39%, of Americans approve of Congress, a rating which has been on a steady incline—it’s an eight point jump from last month, and a 20 point jump since January. It’s also the most positive approval ratings for Congress since Feb. 2005, when Republicans were still in control.

As Gallup notes, it’s a notably quick turnaround from 2008, which marked record low congressional approval ratings. The approval ratings are largely fueled by Democrats, a majority of which, 57%, approve of Congress’s performance.

Republican approval ratings of Congress remain low, but even they have seen a slight bump from 17% in January to 22% today. Democrats have also doubled their support among independents since January, rising from 17% then to 34% now.

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/03/11/approval-ratings-on-the-rise-for-congressional-democrats/