The Bush-Cheney ticket is now enjoying its biggest lead of the year in North Carolina. The state may be home to the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee, but its Electoral Votes look like they are once again heading into the Republican column.

The latest Rasmussen Reports survey finds Bush leading Kerry by a 53% to 43% margin in the Tar Heel state. A month ago, following the Democratic National Convention, Bush held a five point lead, 50% to 45%. Before North Carolina Senator John Edwards was added to the ticket, North Carolina voters favored Bush by seven points.

Four years ago, Bush won North Carolina by a very comfortable 13-point margin, 56% to 43%.

In North Carolina, Bush does better among men, Investors, and white voters. Kerry does better among women, non-Investors, and African-American voters.

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of North Carolina voters Approve of the way President Bush is performing his job. That's up three points from a month ago and several points above his national Job Approval rating.

Leading up to the Republican National Convention, we have released state polling data in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio. Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin/