Poll: Dems hold 6-point lead on generic ballot

Democrats lead Republicans by 6 percentage points on a generic ballot test going into the midterm elections in November, according to a new poll. 

A Marist-McClatchy poll released Tuesday found 48 percent of registered voters would choose a Democrat if the congressional elections were held today. Another 42 percent said they would support a Republican candidate. Six percent said they’re undecided. 

{mosads}The last time the polling firm tested the question, in February, Democrats held only a 2-point lead. Other recent polling has shown a narrow edge for Democrats. The Real Clear Politics average has Democrats topping Republicans by about 2 percent as well. 

Republicans hold a 17-seat majority in the House — most political observers do not expect the House to be in play during a tough midterm climate for Democrats, as their party holds the presidency. Republicans in the Senate would need to net six seats to win back the majority in the upper chamber. 

On the presidential level, the poll found former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee narrowly topping the field of potential GOP primary candidates, with 13 percent each. 

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Rep. Paul Ryan (Wis.) pull in 12 percent of the vote each. 

All other candidates do not break double digits.  

Democrat Hillary Clinton continues to dominate the field of Republicans in a potential general election. Ryan comes closest to narrowing the gap, trailing Clinton 43 percent to 51 percent. 

The poll surveyed 1,036 registered voters from April 7-10 and has a 3 percent margin of error. And 416 Republican and independents who lean Republican were tested for the GOP presidential primary question, which holds a 4.8 percent margin of error.