Things aren't getting any better for Rhode Island's top Republican incumbents.

Gaining a couple points since June hasn't helped Governor Donald Carcieri (R) gain traction in the competitive gubernatorial race. His Democratic opponent, Lieutenant Governor Charles Fogarty, has also jumped a couple points in our election poll, and so maintains a one-point edge to now lead the governor 43% to 42%.

In Rhode Island, the lieutenant governor is elected on a separate ticket. So while it's not typical for the top two executive officials of a state to be of different parties, it's not surprising that Democratically-leaning Rhode Island should have a Democratic lieutenant governor. Nor that Fogarty is posing a very stiff challenge to the candidacy of the man with whom he had long enjoyed a cordial relationship.

The reelection bid of Senator Chafee (R) is also slow going. (See our story on the Rhode Island race for U.S. Senate.)

Governor Carcieri is viewed favorably by 59% of likely voters, Fogarty by 57%.

The job Carcieri is doing as Governor meets with the approval of 59%; 38% disapprove. Only 33% approve of the job President Bush is doing; 67% disapprove, and 51% of likely voters "strongly" disapprove.

When given a generic choice, a majority of Rhode Islanders prefer a Democrat over a Republican to be the nation's next chief executive. But Republican candidates have a better shot when voters consider specific match-ups (though one of the two Republicans we asked about proves to be consistently more competitive). Respondents pondered square-offs among Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, John McCain, and Rudy Giuliani. Details are available to Premium Members.

Of the four, voters best like John McCain, with 71% viewing him favorably. Giuliani is viewed favorably by 70%, Clinton by 62%, Gore by 57%.

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