WASHINGTON - In an ominous election-year sign for Republicans, Americans are leaning sharply toward wanting Democrats to take control of Congress, an AP-Ipsos poll finds. Democrats are favored 49 percent to 36 percent.

I'm not popping the champagne yet--it's a long way to November. Scandals of the control party notwithstanding, does not imply the Dems are innocent; there's plenty of on-the-take Dems from sleaze ball lobbyists. In addition, they still need a forceful message, which doesn't seem to be forthcoming.