Third time's the charm? Dino Rossi nearly won the governorship in Washington in 2004, only to see Christine Gregoire inch ahead after a series of recounts. He lost a rematch in 2008. Now, he seems increasingly tempted by the idea of challenging Sen. Patty Murray (D), and Rasmussen's latest poll (500 LVs, 3/9, MoE +/- 4.5%) continues to show him as the GOP's strongest candidate.

General Election Matchup
Rossi 49 (+1 vs. last poll, 2/11)
Murray 46 (unch)
Und 2 (-3)

Murray 48 (-2)
Benton 37 (-1)
Und 12 (+3)

Murray 49 (unch)
Didier 30 (-4)
Und 15 (+2)

Murray 47 (-1)
Widener 32 (-1)
Und 16 (+2)

Murray's favorables are still strong, at 53 / 41. Washingtonians are split on President Obama's job performance, with 50 percent approving and 49 percent disapproving. Just 40 percent approve of Gregoire, however, and 60 percent disapprove.

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