Friday, July 18, 2008

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The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Maine voters shows that the state’s U.S. Senate race has gotten a little bit tighter this month. In her bid for re-election, Republican Senator Susan Collins now leads Democratic challenger Tom Allen 52% to 42%.

Collins’ lead has decreased from sixteen percentage points last month to ten points this month. But, the incumbent still earns support from 89% of Republican voters and 34% of Democrats. The candidates are tied at 44% among unaffiliated voters.

When it comes to voter ideology, Collins earns support from 74% of conservatives, 55% of moderates and 27% of liberal voters. Allen earns the vote from 20% of conservative voters, 36% of Moderate voters and 71% of liberal voters.

The incumbent’s favorability ratings have slipped a little since last month. Collins is viewed favorably by 70% and unfavorably by 29%. Allen’s ratings are 58% favorable, 35% unfavorable.

The survey also found that 90% of Maine voters believe the nation is heading down the wrong track. Just 7% say it is moving in the right direction. Those numbers are a bit more negative than the national average.

While Collins’ numbers have slipped a bit this month, she remains in better position than many of her Republican colleagues. Democrats have at least a chance of picking up Republican seats in Virginia,North Carolina, New Hampshire,New Mexico,Colorado,Oregon, Alaska, Minnesota,Kentucky and Texas.

In the Presidential election, Barack Obama has a solid lead over John McCain in Maine.

Maine Governor John Baldacci earns good or excellent ratings from 28% of voters. Thirty-five percent (35%) of Maine voters say he is doing a poor job as Governor.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs are available to Premium Members only.