While it's a bit early to call the winner in Tennessee's 2010 gubernatorial contest, a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that former Senator Majority Leader Bill Frist (R) has a leg up with voters should he throw his hat in the ring. In a hypothetical match-up with former Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. (D)—who narrowly lost a U.S. Senate bid last year—Frist leads 54% to 38% (see crosstabs). Ford leads Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R) 42% to 40%.

Dr. Frist recently retired from the U.S. Senate and considered a run for president this election season, but decided against it. He is favorably viewed by 60% of Tennessee voters, unfavorably by 36%.

Former Congressman Ford, well-remembered from a sometimes bitterly fought Senate campaign, is viewed favorably by only 43%, while 49% view him unfavorably.

Congresswoman Blackburn, a pro-tax-cut conservative, is viewed favorably by 41%, unfavorably by 40%, with 19% Not Sure what to think of her. While Blackburn is better known among Republicans, only 66% prefer her to Ford; 12% hold out for a third alternative.

Eight-four percent (84%) of GOP voters support Frist for the governor's mansion while Ford attracts at most 74% of Democrats.

A plurality of likely voters (44%) say that illegal immigration tops the menu of issues they'll be thinking about during the 2010 campaign. Twenty-six percent (26%) named unemployment, followed by sales taxes on food (18%), farm subsidies (2%), and assistance for borrowers who have defaulted on subprime mortgages (2%). Four percent say some other issue would loom largest.

Eighty-four percent (84%) say undocumented immigrants should not be allowed to obtain driver's license. For more data on immigration issues, see our story on the presidential race in Tennessee.

Most voters here are against the use of tax dollars to build sports stadiums, though a greater number oppose such funding when professional sports stadiums are at issue (72%) than when college stadiums are (61%).

The survey was conducted in partnership with Fox Television Stations, Inc.

See survey questions and top-line results. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.