Senator Susan Collins’ lead in her bid for reelection in Maine continues to fade, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey.
Two months ago Collins led her Democratic challenger Tom Allen by 16 percentage points, but that spread fell to 10 points in May. Now her lead is down to seven points, 49% to 42%, dropping her below 50% for the first time and putting her among the Republican senators at risk this November. Incumbents who poll less than 50% are generally viewed as potentially vulnerable.
Collins’ favorability rating has fallen as well for the third month in a row, but she is still is viewed favorably by a substantial majority of Maine voters (65%), down from 70% last month. By a nearly identical number, the incumbent’s unfavorables have risen from 29% in May to 33% now.
By contrast, Allen, who has served in the House since 1997, is viewed favorably by 56% of voters and unfavorably by 37%, virtually identical to his ratings in May.
Collins, who is seeking a third term in the Senate, leads Allen by 14% among men but has just a two-point edge among women voters.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_20082/2008_senate_elections/maine/election_2008_maine_senateFabulous news! She can be beaten.