September 3, 2010
Americans Most Likely to Favor GOP Newcomers for Congress
Three in four believe influx of new members would improve Congress
by Jeffrey M. JonesPRINCETON, NJ -- It appears that the best type of candidate to be this fall is a Republican challenger. Given a choice of four hypothetical candidates of differing party affiliations and experience, Americans are most likely to prefer "a Republican who has not served in Congress." Those who would prefer a Democratic candidate opt for an incumbent over a newcomer.
These results, based on an Aug. 27-30 USA Today/Gallup poll, underscore the advantageous political environment for Republicans and non-incumbents this midterm election season. Overall, a majority of Americans prefer a Republican candidate (regardless of experience) to a Democrat, 53% to 40%. And a majority also prefer a non-incumbent (regardless of party affiliation) to an incumbent, 54% to 39%.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/142880/Americans-Likely-Favor-GOP-Newcomers-Congress.aspx?version=print