The most recent Rasmussen Reports election poll shows Republican Bob Corker leading Rep. Harold Ford, Jr. 48% to 42% (see crosstabs).

Corker is now his party’s official candidate for the November showdown, having emerged successfully from a 3-way primary race on August 3. Last month, our poll in the hotly contested race to replace retiring Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist showed Corker ahead, 49% to 37%. That poll was conducted before Corker wrapped up the nomination.

Twenty-two percent (22%) of voters have a “very favorable” opinion of Corker and 24% say the same about Ford. Corker is in much better shape when it comes to unfavorable scores. Ten percent (10%) have a “very unfavorable” view of Corker. The number is twice as high for Ford.

Ford has been dogged throughout his political career by missteps made by family members who are also in the political realm. His father, former Congressman Harold Ford, Sr., was ultimately acquitted on bank fraud charges after six years of litigation. Two of his uncles resigned from their seats in the state legislature—one for insurance fraud and the other for charges of bribery. Though the trial has been postponed until the end of February, it will be of particular concern for Ford's Senate campaign.

Tennessee’s voters also have some very distinct opinions on other issues in the news. Eighty percent (80%) believe marriage is restricted to the union of a man and a woman; 68% believe the Bible is literally true; 51% identify their position on abortion as pro-life; and 77% say election ballots should be printed in English only.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.