Maine's competitive gubernatorial campaign has a caught-in-amber feeling to it, especially when it comes to support for Democratic Governor John Baldacci.

Baldacci now leads Republican Chandler Woodcock 43% to 42% (see crosstabs). Last month, after Woodcock's post-convention bounce had apparently faded, the incumbent managed a six-point lead of 43% to 37%.

All year long, whether leading or trailing in our polls, Baldacci has proved unable to climb past a 45% level of support. Early in the year the often struggled to reach 40%.

Seven percent (7%) now say they plan to vote for a third-party candidate, down from 10% in July. Even if that number declines further, it's clear that in such a tight race the several Independent candidates could affect who wins.

Baldacci's administration has been plagued by charges of incompetent stewardship, an impression fostered by reports from the Federal Reserve and elsewhere naming Maine's economy as one of the most lackluster in the union.

Governor Baldacci is seen as "moderate" by 47% of all voters, as "liberal" by 36%. GOP voters are much more likely to call him liberal, Democrats tend to call him moderate.

A plurality see Woodcock as conservative politically, but 29% are "not sure" how to label him.
Woodcock wins a "very" favorable rating from a slightly higher proportion of voters than the Governor does. Perhaps more important, just 13% have a “very unfavorable” opinion of the Republican. Nearly twice as many, 23%, have a “very unfavorable” opinion of the Governor.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.