Party Affiliation Gap in U.S. Narrowest Since 2005

[robinblue]

Gosh, I have not kept track of this in months. I am surprised that the gap is so small.



http://www.gallup.com/poll/127499/Party-Affiliation-Gap-U.S.-Narrowest-2005.aspx


April 23, 2010
Party Affiliation Gap in U.S. Narrowest Since 2005

Democratic advantage shrinks as more independents lean to the Republican Party
by Jeffrey M. Jones

PRINCETON, NJ -- The advantage in public support the Democratic Party built up during the latter part of the Bush administration and the early part of the Obama administration has all but disappeared. During the first quarter of 2010, 46% of Americans identified as Democrats or leaned Democratic, while 45% identified as or leaned Republican.

Party Identification and Leaning, Quarterly Averages, 2004 to 2010

The latest results, based on aggregated data from Gallup polls conducted from January to March of this year, show the closest party division since the first quarter of 2005, when the parties were tied at 46%. Democrats enjoyed double-digit advantages in party support in 11 of 12 quarters from the second quarter of 2006 to the first quarter of 2009.