In North Carolina, the latest Rasmussen Reports survey finds President George W. Bush with 48% of the vote and Senator John F. Kerry with 44%.

Four years ago, Bush defeated Al Gore handily in North Carolina, 56% to 43%. However, he has failed so far to develop such a lead against John Kerry. A Rasmussen Reports survey, conducted in March found Bush up by eight points, 51% to 43%.

North Carolina is unusual this year in that poll results for 2004 do not reflect results similar to those from four years ago. Most other state polls, and our daily Tracking Poll, show that Election 2004 is beginning in about the same place that Election 2000 ended.

Fifty-five percent (55%) of North Carolina voters Approve of the way Bush is performing his job as President. That's down a couple of points from 57% in our March survey. However, it is several points above the President's national Job Approval rating.

Data for North Carolina will updated again early next month. Rasmussen Reports has also recently released polling data for the states of Oregon, Missouri, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Texas, California and Ohio. Other state polling data will be released each day this week.