The latest Washington Post/ABC News survey "paints a portrait of a restless and dissatisfied electorate at the beginning of a critical election year," writes the Post's Balz and Cohen. "More than seven in 10 Americans disapprove of the job Congress is doing, and as many say they're inclined to look for new congressional representation as said so in 1994 and 2006, the last times that control of Congress shifted."

While President Obama gets a 51% job approval rating (with 46% disapproving), he has a net negative rating for his handling of four out of five specific issues: health care, the economy, the deficit and creating jobs. On the threat of terrorism, 56% approve while 39% disapprove.

Obama now has a 48.0% RCP Average Job Approval rating.

In the generic ballot vote, Democrats and Republicans tied at 46% apiece -- almost identical to the Gallup survey out yesterday that found the parties tied at 45%.

Republicans now lead by 3.0 points in the RCP Average Generic Ballot Vote.

--------------------------------------------
Follow the RCP Blog on Twitter.
Become a fan of RCP on Facebook.
--------------------------------------------