poll data to make Republicans cry

Jonathan Singer at MyDD quotes Gallup poll analysis: During recent midterm election years, low congressional approval ratings have been associated with greater shifts in the partisan composition of the U.S. House of Representatives. In the five elections since 1974 in which Congress' approval rating was below 40%, the average net change in U.S. House seats from one party to the other was 29. In the three midterm elections in which congressional approval ratings were above 40%, the average change was five seats. … A recent Gallup Poll, conducted March 13-16, 2006, finds just 27% of Americans approving (and 65% disapproving) of the way Congress is handling its job. … recent ratings of Congress are the worst Gallup has measured in more than a decade. --- the current Party Divisions House of Representatives 231 Republicans 201 Democrats 1 Independent 2 Vacancies Senate 55 Republicans 44 Democrats 1 Independent