The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in North Carolina found U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole enjoying comfortable leads over two potential Democratic opponents in her bid for re-election.

Dole leads Kay Hagan 52% to 39% and Jim Neal 51% to 37%. An October poll found Dole ahead of potential candidate Mike Easely by eight points.

Dole leads Neal by double-digits among men and women. Against Hagan, she has an eighteen-point lead among men, but just a nine-point lead among women.

Among voters not affiliated with either major political party, Dole leads Hagan 48% to 36% and Neal 43% to 32%.

Dole is viewed favorably by 61% and unfavorably by 31%. The Democratic candidates are less known among voters. Hagan’s ratings are 36% favorable, 35% unfavorable, and 29% are unsure. For Neal, the numbers are 35% favorable, 32% unfavorable, and 33% of voters are not sure.

The presidential race in North Carolina currently shows a tie between John McCain and Barack Obama.

Rasmussen Markets data now shows the Republicans are favored to win the North Carolina senate race (current prices: Democrat %; Republican %) Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. Using a trading format where traders "buy and sell" candidates, issues, and news features, the Rasmussen Markets harness competitive passions to provide a reliable leading indicator of upcoming events. 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.

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