In a test of generic state House candidates, 46 percent of voters said they would support a Democrat if the election were held today, compared to 34 percent for a Republican — a lead of 12 percent for the minority party that is seeking to flip control of the state legislature. "It pretty much fits into the national pattern. It’s another reminder of the fact that a good economy doesn't guarantee a president high ratings," said Larry Sabato, founder and director of UVA’s Center for Politics.