Republicans have installed a new contender in the race for Governor here. Whether former state Republican Party chairman John Dendahl can fare better than ousted standard-bearer J.R. Damron, who had been uncontested in his nomination bid, remains to be seen. But Dendahl is regarded by insiders as the more formidable candidate.

So far, not so good for the GOP. The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll of the contest—conducted a little more than a week after the switch—shows Democratic Governor Bill Richardson leading Dendahl of 56% to 32%. Thirty percent (30%) of all GOP voters side with Richardson as well.

The governor is viewed favorably by 66% of all likely voters, Dendahl by 37%. Forty-one percent (41%) view Dendahl unfavorably and 23% don't know him well enough yet to give an opinion.

Another Democratic incumbent, U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman, is also gliding to reelection, currently leading GOP nominee Allen McCullough 59% to 33%.

Bingaman is viewed favorably by 65%, McCullough by 34%. A whopping 36% say they're "not sure" what to think of McCullough. And just a few weeks after he won the GOP nomination, even 27% of GOP voters are "not sure" of him.

Echoing a frequent pattern in our polling about the 2008 presidential race, a plurality of likely New Mexico voters prefer a Democrat as the next President when given a generic choice between "Democrat," "Republican" and "Other." When asked to consider prospective match-ups among four likely candidates, though, the survey data (available to premium members only) tell a somewhat different story.

Voters also tend to like the Republicans we asked about more than the Democrats. Hillary Clinton is viewed favorably by 49%, Al Gore by 53%; John McCain by 58%, Rudy Giuliani by 61%.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members. For the latest State Election results and issues of the day see our Elections Page and Politics Page.