Poll: GOP more enthusiastic about midterms

Republicans show slightly more enthusiasm than Democrats about the upcoming midterm elections in November, according to a CBS poll released Wednesday night. 

The survey found 44 percent of Republican voters are more enthusiastic about voting this year compared to past elections. That’s 6 percentage points higher than Democrats. 

{mosads}The survey found a similar breakdown in those who say they are paying a lot of attention to the midterm elections. 

Democrats hold a 1-percent lead in the generic congressional ballot test. Forty percent of voters say they would cast a ballot for Democrats if the election were held today, while 39 percent said they would vote for a Republican. Sixteen percent are unsure. 

A new high of 86 percent of voters say most members of Congress have not done a good job, and it is time for new people. When asked about their own particular representative, 62 percent of respondents say it is time for someone new.

With 39 percent, voters believe the economy is the most important issue in deciding their vote, followed by healthcare, the federal budget and the environment. 

Fifty percent say Republicans are doing a better job on the economy, while 40 percent choose Democrats. On healthcare, the numbers are reversed. Fifty percent say Democrats are doing a better job, compared to 40 percent for Republicans. 

Thirty percent of people say the economy is getting better, while 26 percent say it is getting worse. 

More people than ever before in President Obama’s presidency, 43 percent, say that the condition of the economy is good — a 6-point gain since March. However, 55 percent continue to see it as bad. 

The poll surveyed 1,009 people and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.