Democratic Congressman Ben Cardin still leads Republican Lt. Governor Michael Steele, but no longer by double digits in this tightening race. Cardin now leads Steele by just six points, 47% to 41%. In February he had led Steele by fourteen points, which by April had dropped to a ten-point lead (see Crosstabs).

Steele is neck-and-neck with Democratic NAACP President Kweisi Mfume, with Steele nominally leading, 45% to 44%. In April Mfume led by four points, after the two had been neck-and-neck in February, Steele 42%, Mfume 41%. The main change for this match-up is that more voters have made up their minds.

The struggle is over who will replace Democratic Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, a five-term incumbent not standing for reelection. Cardin and Mfume are the front-runners in a Democratic field that swelled to 28 candidates by the time of the filing deadline. Initially, Cardin was favored over Mfume, but the outcome of the Primary competition is less clear at this time.

Steele faces nine opponents for the GOP nomination and reportedly has more cash on hand to wage his campaign than either Cardin or Mfume. The state's primary elections are on September 12.

Cardin is viewed favorably by 52% of likely voters, Mfume by 51%, Steele by 55%.

When asked to pick between parties rather than between specific candidates, 50% of Maryland voters want to see a Democrat as our next President, versus 31% who say their preference is for a Republican. Premium Members can see a summary of our state-by-state 2008 polling results.

Crosstabs are available to Premium Members. For the latest State Election results and issues of the day see our Elections Page and Politics Page.