The Pennsylvania Governor's race remains very close, but the possible entry of an independent challenger has the potential to shake things up in the Keystone State.

Republican Lynn Swann, the former football star, now leads Governor Ed Rendell (D), 44% to 41%. That's the mirror image of last month's result (see crosstabs).

All four of polls on this race conducted in 2006 have found the candidates within three points of each other. Swann has ranged from 41% of the vote to 45% in the four polls, Rendell from 41% to 46%.

However, Russ Diamond has said he will enter the race as an Independent. Diamond last year formed an organization to oppose a pay raise for state legislators (the pay raise signed by Rendell has since been repealed). He must get 67,000 valid signatures on a petition by August 1 to qualify for the November ballot.

Diamond attracts 16% of the vote if he is included in the poll at this time. Third party candidates often receive more support in early polls than they will actually receive on election day. However, the impact of Diamond's inclusion in the poll is dramatic--the overall poll results switches from a 3-point Swann lead to a 4-point Rendell lead.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of Pennsylvania voters believe that tax cuts are good for the economy. Just 19% say that they are bad for the economy.

Seventy-four percent (74%) of Pennsylvania voters believe that the U.S. should first gain control of its borders before considering new rules on immigration. Sixty-one percent (61%) believe that our national policy goal should be to welcome all immigrants except national security threats, criminals, and those who would live off our welfare system.

The rolling average of our last three Pennsylvania election polls remains unchanged with Rendell at 44% and Swann at 43%. This confirms the very close nature of the race.

The Pennsylvania Senate race is not nearly as competitive.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members.