Incumbent Brad Henry is firmly in control of his bid for a second term as Oklahoma’s governor. The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll shows Henry leading his Republican challenger, U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook, 54% to 33% (see crosstabs). That’s a 10-point jump in Henry’s lead since our last poll in May.

Henry is faring much better with his party base as evidenced by the 83% of Democrats who say they’ll support him versus 58% of Republicans for Istook. He also has stronger crossover pull, drawing support from 27% of GOP voters.

Twenty-nine percent (29%) of Oklahoma voters have a “very favorable” opinion of Henry, only five points higher than those who say the same of Istook. The candidates part ways when it comes to unfavorables, though. Eighteen percent (18%) of voters have a very unfavorable opinion of Istook. Only 7% hold such an negative view of the Governor.

Most voters classify their governor as politically moderate (51%). Confirming his middle of the road positioning, an equal number (21%) see Henry as conservative and liberal.

Most (52%) also see Istook as conservative while just 26% see him as a moderate. Sixteen percent (16%) of those surveyed say they aren’t sure how to categorize the challenger’s political ideology.

Though Governor Henry, a Democrat, fares well, 59% of Oklahoma voters trust President Bush more than Congressional Democrats on matters relating to national security and Iraq, The same outcome is true of matters relating to managing the economy—56% choose President Bush and 38% say Congressional Democrats.

Henry spent much of last week engaged in a modern day version of a whistle stop campaign via a recreational vehicle bringing his “Oklahoma on the Move” tour to several stops across the state. Istook, who is reportedly planning his own 77-county tour, must campaign in earnest over the next two months to remain in elected office; he’s had to give up his seat in Congress to run for governor.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.