Incumbent Democrat Ted Kulongoski, faced with a strong challenge for the party nomination, is viewed favorably by just 50% of likely voters, and unfavorably by 46%. His strongest opponent for the nomination, former State Treasurer Jim Hill, is viewed favorably by 54%, unfavorably by 42%.

Hill has tangled with Kulongoski before. He finished third in the 2002 primary while Kulongoski went on to win the nomination and his first term as governor.

Both Democrats lead all Republican challengers, but Kulongoski does better than Hill against each Republican campaigning for his job. Kulongoski leads Kevin Mannix 51% to 36%. But Hill also enjoys a comfortable lead over Mannix, 47% to 35%.

Kulongoski leads Republican Ron Saxton 47% to 33%. Hill leads Saxton 44% to 31%. When the Republican opponent is state Senator Jason Atkinson, Kulongoski leads 48% to 36% and Hill leads 42% to 36%.

Oregonians are evenly divided over who in Washington they trust more on Iraq policy. But on the economy, 52% trust Democrats in Congress more than the President. Forty-two percent (42%) say they trust the President more.

Since governors have more to do with the economy than foreign policy, the tilt toward the Democrats may help the eventual Democratic nominee in the general election.

When asked how things in the U.S. will look in a year, only 22% say things will probably get better. Two thirds of Democrats are pessimistic, compared to only a sixth of Republicans.

Visit our Election Polls page to see a summary of our latest state-by state polling. Rasmussen Reports is polling every Senate and Governors' race at least once a month this year.

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