Incumbent Republican Governor Bob Riley has expanded his already comfortable lead over his opponent—and fellow Alabama state executive—in his re-election bid. The latest Rasmussen Reports survey of 500 likely Alabama voters shows Riley leading Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley 55% to 35% (see crosstabs). Only 6% of voters remain undecided in the race.

A month ago, Riley led 54% to 40%.

Both candidates trounced their respective challengers in Alabama’s primary elections on June 6 to clear the way for their November face off. Governor Riley defeated Roy Moore, former chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court, 67% to 33%. Lt. Governor Baxley topped former Governor Don Siegelman—whom Riley ousted in a close race in 2002—60% to 35%.

Thirty-five percent (35%) of those surveyed report having a very favorable view of Riley; only 9% have a very unfavorable view. The governor’s total favorable rating is a solid 72%. Baxley doesn’t fare quite as well; 21% say they have a very favorable view of the lieutenant governor and 13% have a very unfavorable opinion. Her total favorable rating has fallen from 66% to 55% since the last survey in June.

In another bit of potentially troubling news for the challenger, despite serving as Alabama’s number two executive since 2002 and state treasurer for eight years prior to that, 10% say they have no opinion of Baxley.

Turning the focus from individuals to issues, 32% of respondents say the economy is the issue of greatest importance, followed by national security (17%) and the war in Iraq (17%).

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