Democratic Governor John Baldacci now barely edges out Republican State Senator Chandler Woodcock, 45% to 43%.

The latest Rasmussen Reports survey of Maine's gubernatorial race was conducted just a couple days after Woodcock won the GOP primary. Governor Baldacci faced only token opposition in the Democratic primary. There are also four Independent candidates in the race, two of whom are likely to qualify for public funding.

The race has grown tighter. In May the governor led by eight points, 44% to 36%; and he now attracts about the same level of support he did then.

Woodcock, though, has advanced by several points. That may prove to be mostly a post-primary bounce for the Republican, but Baldacci has been struggling all year and is not in a good position for an incumbent. Both the governor's social agenda and his fiscal stewardship—which included the imposition of a quickly dropped fee for taking a walk in the woods—have provoked wide controversy.

Baldacci is viewed favorably by 56% of Maine voters, unfavorably by 42%. However, just 17% have a “very” favorable opinion of their Governor while 19% have a “very” unfavorable opinion.

Woodcock is viewed favorably by 53%, unfavorably by 32%.

The governor's approval rating is at 51%; 48% disapprove of the job he's doing.

Asked about several presidential hopefuls, Maine voters respond a bit more favorably toward the Republicans than the Democrats.

Hillary Clinton is viewed favorably by 52%, John McCain by 61%, Rudy Giuliani by 62%, Al Gore by 52%. The unfavorable numbers show a somewhat greater disparity, with each Democrat viewed "very" unfavorably by more than 30%. Only 12% view either McCain or Giuliani "very" unfavorably.

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