Now that Alabama's dramatic primary season is over, Republican Governor Bob Riley enjoys an improved lead of 54% to 40% over Democratic Lieutenant Governor Lucy Baxley. Both candidates have added a few points to their support since last month. In May Riley attracted 49% of likely voters, Baxley attracted 37%.

Both candidates siphon off about a fifth of voters from members of the opponent's political party. At present, only 3% of voters are undecided.

Governor Riley is viewed favorably by 71%, Baxley by 66%. But opinions about Riley are more fixed. Favorable opinions of the Governor are divided pretty evenly between those who view him Very Favorably (36%) and those who view him Somewhat Favorably (35%). Baxley is viewed Very Favorably by only 24%, Somewhat Favorably by 42%. The numbers also show that Baxley is disliked more intensely than the incumbent is disliked.

Despite a controversial tax-hiking proposal early in his term—which voters defeated by two-thirds majority—65% say they approve of the job the governor is doing. Thirty-four percent (34%) disapprove.

When we asked how well respondents liked four major politicians considering a run in 2008, Republicans again bested Democrats, but by a larger margin than one might infer from our question about whether respondents prefer a Republican or a Democrat in the White House. Al Gore and Hillary Clinton are viewed favorably by 44% at most, while John McCain and Rudy Giuliani are viewed favorably by at least 63%.

The two Democrats are also viewed Very Unfavorably by many more voters than the Republicans.

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