The number of people who say they are Democrats increased 7 points to 52 percent compared to 45 percent in December while those identifying themselves as Republicans dropped slightly from 37 percent to 35 percent, according to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll conducted March 3-5. The margin of error is 3.1 percent.

The poll also reported that only 22 percent of Americans believed the country was heading in the right direction, about the same as December.

In a similar vein, a Gallup poll conducted March 3-5 says 84 percent of Americans believe the economy is getting worse.