Dissatisfied with the nation's direction, Americans are leaning toward
wanting a change in which political party leads Congress - preferring that
Democrats take control, an AP-Ipsos poll found. Democrats are favored over
Republicans 49 percent to 36 percent.
The polling came as disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to tax
evasion, fraud and corruption charges and agreed to aid a federal
investigation of members of Congress and other government officials.
President Bush's job approval remains low - 40 percent in the AP-Ipsos poll,
with only one-third saying the country is headed in the right direction.
Bush also remains low on his handling of Iraq, where violence against Iraqis
and U.S. troops has been surging.
``I just don't like the direction our country is going in,'' said Steve
Brown, a political independent from Olympia, Wash. ``I think a balance of
power would be beneficial right now.''
Republicans are watching the situation unfold with some nervousness.
Some say they want new leadership in Congress because of strong
dissatisfaction with current policies.
Associated Press Special Correspondent David Espo contributed to this story.
© Copyright 2006 Associated Press
In the Senate, 33 seats will be on the ballot in November, 17 of them
currently in Democratic hands, 15 controlled by Republicans, and one held by
Sen. James Jeffords, a Vermont independent. Democrats now have 44 Senate
seats, and need to pick up seven to gain a majority, six if Vermont
independent Bernie Sanders replaces Jeffords.
All 435 House seats are on the ballot this fall, and Democrats need to gain
at least 15 to become the majority party and take control of the House.
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