A majority of voters in the House elections view the Russia investigation as "politically motivated," according to CNN exit polls, while a plurality disapprove of special counsel Robert Mueller's handling of it.

Specifically, 54 percent of voters said the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and possible collusion with President Trump's campaign was "politically motivated" compared with just 41 percent who said it was "mostly justified."

Meanwhile, 46 percent said they disapproved of Mueller's handling of the investigation, compared with 42 percent who approved.

Again, these numbers were based on a survey of the electorate that just delivered control of the House to Democrats.

The numbers were even more stark in some of the states with highly-contested Senate races. For instance, in Indiana, where Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly lost to Republican challenger Mike Braun, 61 percent said the Russia investigation was "politically motivated."

The Russia investigation has dominated headlines for about two years and initially seemed like it was going to be a key part of Democratic campaigns. Even some Republicans were fearing a nightmare scenario in which Mueller issues a damning report just ahead of the election. But when push came to shove, Russia was largely absent from the campaign trail this year as candidates focused on traditional campaign issues such as taxes, healthcare, and immigration.

The polling numbers provide a warning sign to House Democrats and their leader (for now), Rep. Nancy Pelosi. A restive base has been hungry for more aggressive oversight on Russia and even impeachment, but should Democrats pursue such a path, it could alienate independent voters and play right into the hands of Trump going into the 2020 elections. This could thus emerge as a difficult needle to thread for the incoming majority.