The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Tennessee voters found Republican incumbent Lamar Alexander well ahead of both potential Democratic opponents in the race for the United States senate.

Alexander leads former Tennessee Democratic party Chairman Bob Tuke 59% to 30% and former Knox County Clerk Mike Padgett 58% to 31%.

The gap between Alexander and the democratic candidates is smallest among younger voters. He leads Tuke by just a single point among voters between the ages of 18 and 29 and eight points against Padgett in the same demographic. Alexander leads by over twenty-points against the candidates in every other age category.

The incumbent also dominates among unaffiliated voters, leading both candidates by at least forty points. He also earns support from a quarter of Democratic voters in the Volunteer State.

Alexander is viewed favorably by 67% and unfavorably by 27%. His opponents are less well known. Tuke’s numbers are 30% favorable, 41% unfavorable and 29% are not sure. Padgett’s reviews are 30% favorable, 39% unfavorable and 32% are not sure.

In Tennessee’s presidential election, John McCain leads both potential democratic candidates by double-digits.

Like most other states, the plurality (45%) of Tennessee voters believe the economy is the top issue in the upcoming election. The War in Iraq comes in at a distant second with 14%.

Rasmussen Markets data now shows that Republicans are favored to win the Tennessee senate race (current prices: Republican %; Democrat %) 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.

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