Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has finally reached the 50% mark among likely voters in his bid for re-election. The latest Rasmussen Reports election survey shows the incumbent leading Republican challenger Ron Saxton 51% to 44% (see crosstabs). Saxton was within five points last month.

The current results represent each candidate’s highest level of support since polling began in February.

The governor heads into Election Day with 57% of voters saying they approve of his job performance. Forty-one percent (41%) disapprove—25% strongly so.

Each candidate has seen a noticeable increase in his “very favorable” scores—Kulongoski’s has jumped six points to 21% and Saxton’s is up five to 20%. The incumbent’s “very unfavorable” rating remains unchanged at 20% and Saxton’s is up three points to 27%.

Fifty-four percent (54%) of Kulongoski’s supporters will cast a positive vote for the governor and 39% will do so to vote against his challenger. Among Saxton’s supporters, 65% will vote for him because he’s their preferred candidate, and 29% will use the chance to vote against the incumbent.

A majority of Oregon voters rates the situation in Iraq as “poor,” and a slim plurality says Democrats (47%) can be trusted more than Republicans (42%) when it comes to the war in Iraq.

Forty percent (40%) of voters rate the U.S. economy as “fair.” Again, Democrats edge Republicans on matters of trust relating to the country’s economy, though this time by a wider margin (50% to 40%.)

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.