Generic Congressional Ballot

Public unhappiness with the congressional legislative agenda is increasingly being reflected in the generic Congressional preference numbers. Today the Rasmussen poll found support for Republican Congressional candidates at its "highest level in recent years." Republican candidates have a five-point lead over the Democrats, 43-38 percent, which indicates a rapid turnaround from Election Day 2008 when the Democrats had a six-point lead in the Congressional preference poll and trounced the Republicans across the board.
And what exactly is causing this turnaround? Government health care, cap and trade, cash for clunkers, the porkulus bill, and various bailouts, which add up to astronomical deficit spending, the likes of which have never been seen in the history of any nation, any time, and anywhere.
From a strategic standpoint, it would have been very easy for the Democrats to build a long lasting majority by going very slowly on these issues. They had the Republicans against the ropes with little hope of recovery, but the Democrats have moved so brazenly and blindingly fast (as they are wont to do), it has shaken the nation to its boots, thereby breathing new life into the Republican party and its chances in 2010 and 2012.