Republicans lead by 7 on generic ballot, by 20 among independent voters

Republican candidates lead Democrats by seven points in the latest edition of the Generic Congressional Ballot.

The new national telephone survey shows that 45% would vote for their district’s Republican congressional candidate while 38% would opt for his or her Democratic opponent. Voter support for GOP congressional candidates is down one point from last week, while support for Democrats is up a point.

Republicans started the year ahead by nine points -- their largest lead in several years -- while support for Democrats fell to its lowest level in years. Republicans have held the lead on the ballot for several months now.

Among voters not affiliated with either major party, the GOP leads this week by a 45% to 25% margin.