Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons has seen his lead in Nevada’s gubernatorial race cut nearly in half by Democratic Senate Majority Leader Dina Titus. According to the latest Rasmussen Reports election survey, Gibbons leads Titus 51% to 43% (see crosstabs). His lead was 14 points in September’s survey.

Eighty-three percent (83%) of Republicans say they’re supporting Gibbons while Titus has 76% of Democrats in her camp.

Titus has chipped away at Gibbons’ lead despite the fact that 50% of Likely Voters have an unfavorable opinion of her. Just 46% report a favorable opinion.

Gibbons is enjoying a 55% favorable rating while 38% hold an unfavorable view.

Current Gov. Kenny Guinn (R), who is term limited and prevented from seeking another term, is wrapping up his tenure on a positive note: 64% of voters approve of his job performance while slightly over one-third (35%) disapprove.

In addition to fighting off his challenger, Gibbons is now fighting battery allegations made last week by a woman in Las Vegas. The complaint, which was later withdrawn, alleges that Gibbons tried to force himself on a woman with whom he and others had been drinking at a local restaurant. The woman claims that after Gibbons tried to restrain her at her vehicle, she fled the scene and called 911. Gibbons says that he was merely trying to help the woman to her feet after she tripped while walking to her car. The complaint was dropped when the woman decided not to press charges; at the same time the police determined that there was not sufficient evidence to substantiate her claims.

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