this is pretty unbelievable

According to MyDD, there's really a throw out the bums sentiment in Congressional Elections every year. It just so happens that a lot of times people don't know who the "bums" are (i.e. who controls Congress). So if you are in the majority and pick up seats in the House, it's not really a stamp of approval for the way you govern. It's more that people don't know you are governing.