In one of the country's most closely watched races, incumbent Senator Joseph Lieberman (I) continues to sustain a bare lead, now 45% to 43%, over Democrat Ned Lamont (see crosstabs).

Lieberman is running as an Independent against the wishes of the Democratic establishment.

This race, while fascinating for political junkies, has no impact on the Senate Balance of Power summary. In terms of organizing the Senate, both Lieberman and Lamont will act as a Democrat next January.

The latest Connecticut poll result is unchanged from our previous poll. Immediately after the Democratic primary, Lieberman had a five-point edge of 46% to 41%.

Meanwhile, Republican nominee Alan Schlesinger's narrow slice of the electorate has dropped by a percentage point since our last poll. The same number of all voters, 5%, currently support Schlesinger as are undecided. Only 11% of Republicans say they'll support him.

Most GOP voters, 62%, prefer Lieberman, who also attracts 27% of Democrats. Lamont attracts support from 69% of Democrats.

Lieberman has the edge among unaffiliated voters 47% to 34%.

Around a third of GOP voters, conservatives, unaffiliated voters and moderates view Lieberman "very favorably." Lamont gets a "very favorable" response from 38% of Democrats, and 36% of liberals, but isn't as strongly liked by other voters.

The economy is the top issue for a plurality of 25% of likely voters; in August 37% ranked it number one. Twenty-four percent (24%) say Iraq is their top issue, 21% say national security. The proportion who say Iraq is their top issue is highest among liberals (40%) and Democrats (33%).

Iraq alone probably won't have as much impact on the general election as it did on the contentious Democratic primary. But Connecticut voters also tend to trust Democrats more than Republicans when it comes to the economy, immigration, and taxes.

Only on national security do voters divide their trust somewhat evenly between the parties, with 43% trusting the GOP more, 44% trusting the Democrats more.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.