Thursday, October 30, 2008

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The Senate race in New Mexico has tightened somewhat, but Democrat Tom Udall still remains far ahead of Republican Steve Pearce. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state finds Udall leading his opponent 56% to 41%.

Two weeks ago, the Democrat held a 20-point lead over Pearce. This is now the ninth straight poll Udall has held a double-digit lead over Pearce since tracking began back in April.

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Udall and Pearce are seeking to replace retiring Senator Pete Domenici, a Republican who has been in the Senate since 1973. Both candidates chose to leave the U.S. House of Representatives to compete for the open seat.

Udall is now viewed favorably by 58% of voters, down from 64% two weeks ago. Forty percent (40%) view the Democrat unfavorably, up from 33%. Pearce is viewed favorably by 49%, up from 43% two weeks ago. The Republican is viewed unfavorably by 47%, down from 53% in the last poll.

The Democrat still holds a dominant lead among unaffiliated voters in the latest poll. He also leads by 28 percentage points among women. The race has tightened among men, who now favor Udall 50% to 47%. Just two weeks ago, Udall held an eight-point lead among men.

Udall is just one of many Democratic candidates hoping to fill Republican seats in the Senate this election. Other GOP seats at risk include Alaska, Virginia, New Hampshire, Colorado, New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Georgia and Oregon.

Rasmussen Markets data currently gives Udall a % chance of winning the New Mexico Senate race. Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom of the market.

Democratic Governor Bill Richardson earns good or excellent ratings from 48% of voters in New Mexico, while 20% rate his performance as poor.

The latest poll on the New Mexico presidential race finds Barack Obama leading John McCain 54% to 44%.

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