A new Quinnipiac survey shows Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell (R) was ahead in her bid for re-election when she unexpectedly dropped out of the race yesterday. Rell led her closest potential Democratic opponent, Sec. of State Susan Bysiewicz, by 6 points, and 2006 Senate nominee Ned Lamont by 20 points.

With Rell out of the picture, the spotlight falls on Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele (R), who the Hartford Courant reports has Rell's support, and the Democratic primary battle likely to come down to Bysiewicz and Lamont.

Bysiewicz leads the primary with 26%, followed by Lamont with 23%, Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy 9%, and three others with less than 4%. One-third of voters are undecided.

"Ned Lamont made headlines last week by announcing his exploratory committee, but Bysiewicz is the stronger general election candidate," said Quinnipiac pollster Douglas Schwartz. "In the primary Lamont and Bysiewicz are at the top, but Lamont's money gives him a big advantage."