New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson is poised to cruise to a second term according to the most recent Rasmussen Reports election survey. Richardson leads his Republican challenger, John Dendahl, 61% to 26% (see crosstabs).

Since becoming his party’s official candidate after J.R. Damron dropped out of the race, Dendahl hasn’t gained much ground. Twenty-one percent (21%) of voters surveyed say they aren’t sure what they think of him; that number was 23% at the end of June. Thirty-eight percent (38%) view him favorably and 42% view him unfavorably, both up one point since the last survey.

On the question of the candidates’ political ideology, a plurality (49%) views Richardson as moderate. When asked about Dendahl, the greatest number of responses (33%) falls in the “not sure” category.

Dendahl’s had a steep uphill battle against a very popular incumbent. Sixty-seven percent (67%) have favorable opinions of the governor, with 37% reporting “very favorable” opinions. Moreover, nearly one-third of voters (30%) say they “strongly approve” of Richardson’s performance as governor. Just 14% strongly disapprove.

A strong showing by Richardson in November likely may bolster his standing as a viable challenger for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.

Switching to the Senate, incumbent Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D) is maintaining a comfortable lead over Republican challenger Allen McCulloch, 56% to 32% (see crosstabs).

Thirty-six percent (36%) of those surveyed say they have “very favorable” opinions of Bingaman; only 9% say they same of McCulloch. The candidates are a little more evenly matched at the other end of the spectrum (13% very unfavorable for Bingaman versus 10% for McCulloch.) However, 31% still aren’t sure what they think of McCulloch—only a five-point decrease since the end of June.

Voters are nearly evenly divided when questioned on matters of trust relating to Iraq and national security: 48% trust Democrats in Congress and 45% trust President Bush. The gap widens when the question turns to the economy; 51% trust Congressional Democrats and 37% trust the president.

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