Democratic Governor Ed Rendell has added a couple points to his double-digit lead over former Pittsburgh Steeler Lynn Swann in his bid for reelection. The latest Rasmussen Reports election survey shows him leading the Republican 56% to 36% (see crosstabs).

In August the Governor's lead was 50% to 38%.

Rendell's support has grown slowly but steadily throughout the year. Meanwhile, support for Swann, who started the year a couple points ahead in our poll, has steadily eroded.

It's been a tough season for Republicans, and Swann is a political rookie. But there is still time on the campaign clock and the candidates recently agreed to participate in at least three formal debates. That may give Swann time to score political points, but it will take something pretty dramatic to change the nature of this race.

Along with other crime-fighting proposals, Swann has announced that as governor he would add up to 5,000 more police to the streets of the state's largest cities. Swann also says he would overhaul the state's welfare programs, and in general render state government more transparent and accountable.

Rendell's campaign responds that Swann is under-informed about the workings of government, and retreats into vagueness when asked to elaborate his criticisms and proposals.

Rendell has 78% of Democrats on his side. Swann appeals to only 62% of GOP voters, a very inauspicious showing this late in the election season.

Both men are well-liked, but voters like Rendell a bit better. The Governor's job approval rating is comparably high.

Two thirds of Pennsylvania voters say they discuss politics and current events at least once a week. Twenty-three percent (23%) say they do so every day.

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