Poll: 2010 elections could be tight

PRINCETON, N.J., July 30 (UPI) -- While more U.S. voters said they'd vote for Democratic congressional candidates over Republicans, the 2010 elections could be close, a Gallup Poll indicated.

The results, released Thursday, were based on a generic ballot to measure support for the two parties in 2010 midterm congressional elections, Gallup said. Historically, the final pre-election generic ballot based on likely voters has been an accurate predictor.

The 50 percent-to-44 percent Democratic edge in the latest poll suggests the 2010 election could be close if it were held today, given low turnout in midterm elections and a Republican advantage in turnout, the Princeton, N.J., polling agency said.

Gallup said the early indications could mean the Democratic Party may have difficulty holding onto gains made in the 2006 midterm and 2008 presidential elections.

Results are based on telephone interviews with 916 registered voters nationwide conducted July 10-12. The margin of error is 4 percentage points.