Alabama Governor Bob Riley (R) holds a 16-point lead over Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley (D) and has moved over the 50% mark in terms over voter support. The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll in Alabama shows Riley leading 53% to 37% (see crosstabs).

A month ago, the Governor held a more modest 47% to 40% lead.

Normally, a Republican leading in Alabama wouldn't be big news, but Riley alienated much of his base shortly after winning office in 2002. He pushed for a major tax increase and supported a referendum on the topic that was soundly defeated.

The Governor also faces a challenge from within his own party in the person of former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore. Moore was booted from office for insisting on a display of the Ten Commandments in a state where 76% of the people support such a display.

Despite this, Moore is considered a long-shot in the Primary competition. Riley reported raising 12 times as much money as Moore in the most recent campaign report.

If Moore were to pull off an upset in the Primary, Democrats would have cause to rejoice--Baxley leads Moore 46% to 44% and the state would be in for a contest that could go either way.

A fourth candidate in the race, former Governor Don Siegelman (D) is struggling in both fundraising and the polls. Siegelman is under indictment on federal racketeering charges with a trial scheduled for May 1. The Democrat Primary is just over a month later on June 6.

Siegelman is now viewed favorably by just 28% of voters in the state. He trails both Riley and Moore by double digits.

Visit our Election Polls page to see a summary of our latest state-by state polling. Rasmussen Reports is polling every Senate and Governors' race at least once a month this year.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members