Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty now leads Attorney General Mike Hatch, the DFL or Democratic candidate, 45% to 39%. Independent Peter Hutchinson manages to earn 8% in the three-way match-up, and 8% are undecided (see crosstabs).

Pawlenty thus enjoys a lead for the second Rasmussen Reports election poll in a row. In our August survey, though, a sudden surge gave him a ten-point lead over Hatch, now trimmed a bit.

In June it was Hatch ahead, 47% to 42%. Pawlenty has been trailing the challenger most of the year, so the recent polls are good news for his reelection bid. He can hardly relax, though, with up to sixteen points that could break for either candidate on Election Day.

Democrats are more inclined than Republicans to be undecided (8%) or to prefer Hutchinson (7%), though fewer are in those categories now than were in early August. But 36% of unaffiliated voters now decline to support a major-party candidate.

The Governor and three challengers, including Green Party candidate Ken Pentel, faced off for the first time on August 2, a day after we conducted our last survey. Growth in farm property taxes under Pawlenty's stewardship was one bone of contention. Hatch has also been battering the incumbent over stem cell research, on which he wants to spend $100 million of state money.

Governor Pawlenty, with a 60% overall favorable rating, is now viewed "very favorably" by 27%. Sixteen percent (16%) view him very unfavorably. Hatch is viewed "very favorably" by the same number who view him "very unfavorably": 15%. 

Seventy-three percent (73%) of all voters, and comparable proportions of other groups, see President George W. Bush as a conservative. The Governor is viewed as conservative by 57%, moderate by 34%. Hatch is viewed as moderate by 43%, liberal by 39%.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.

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The Rasmussen Reports ElectionEdge™ Premium Service for Election 2006 offers the most comprehensive public opinion coverage ever provided for a mid-term election. We update the President's Job Approval Ratings daily and are polling competitive Senate and Governor's races at least once a month in 2006.

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Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, has been an independent pollster for more than a decade.