WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. economy has begun to rebound from a long recession, but Democrats could struggle to reap the rewards in November's congressional elections given persistently high unemployment and a gloomy voter mood.

Opinion polls show that Americans are still deeply worried about their jobs and finances despite recent signs of recovery, crimping Democratic hopes that an improved economic climate would help them retain control of Congress in November.

"Democrats are right when they say the economy is improving, but people just don't feel it," said Karlyn Bowman, who analyzes public opinion at the American Enterprise Institute think tank.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Democrats in the Congress on Friday struggled to make headway on their top legislative priority -- job creation -- as the government prepared to shut off funding for many of the measures they hope will bring down the unemployment rate.

Unemployment aid, highway funding and a host of other programs were due to expire on Sunday after Republican Senator Jim Bunning prevented them from being extended on the grounds that they would add to the government's budget deficit.