CNN Poll: 2010 Looking Like 1994 for GOP

A new poll from CNN/Opinions Dynamics out Thursday suggests that the GOP could be looking at an electoral landslide and shift similar to 1994, when Newt Gingrich ushered in a Republican-controlled Congress with his “Contract With America” movement.

It was the first time in 40 years that Republicans took back control of Congress. Now a similar movement, spurred by the tea party, may be underway.

The latest numbers give Republicans a three-point edge on the generic ballot question, which is just about the same advantage the party enjoyed heading into the heart of the '94 campaign season, The Hill reports.

Some 50 percent of respondents said they intend to vote for a candidate who opposes President Obama. That’s roughly the same percentage that opposed President Clinton heading into the midterm elections.

But the generic ballot lead for Republicans is far from the nine-point lead Democrats held heading into the 2006 midterms. And President Obama's approval rating is slightly higher than President Clinton's 44 percent approval in August of '94. Obama's approval also hovers above that of former President George W. Bush in 2006 and President Reagan in 1982.