AND A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD TILTS TO THE RIGHT:

Republicans viewed more favorably for first time since 2005, poll finds (Michael Muskal, 1/27/11, Los Angeles Times)

Republicans are viewed more favorably than unfavorably for the first time since 2005, while Democrats have improved their standing but are still below their time-tested levels, the USA Today/Gallup poll reported on Thursday.

The findings describe a much more level playing field as Republicans and Democrats head into the 2012 presidential election cycle.