The Republican incumbents are still swimming upstream in the ocean state, though the Rasmussen Reports election poll shows Governor Donald Carcieri at least staying even with his Democratic challenger. (Not as much can be said for the incumbent Senator.)

Governor Carcieri and Democratic challenger Charles Fogarty, the Lieutenant Governor, each attract 43% from likely voters who consider them in a face-off (see crosstabs). Twelve percent (12%) are undecided. Last month Fogarty held just a one-point lead.

Both candidates attract about a fifth of members of the opposite party.

The Governor has been in the news for efforts to help people cope with a recent heat wave, and for objecting to changes Disney made to the statehouse while shooting scenes there for the movie "Underdog." Meanwhile, back in the campaign, he and Fogarty have been crossing swords over taxes, environmental standards, and how to balance the budget.

The Governor received a bit of good news in July when his only opponent for the Republican nomination, to be decided September 12, withdrew after failing to collect enough signatures to get on the ballot.

Only 33% of Rhode Island voters approve of the job President George W. Bush is doing. Sixty-six percent (66%) disapprove, 52% "strongly."

Support for same-sex marriage is higher in Rhode Island than in any other state we’ve recently polled on the question, with 45% saying a proper definition of marriage could embrace any two adults, 51% saying the concept applies only to a man and a woman.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.