In the first public poll taken since former Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R) entered the race, Rasmussen (500 LVs, 4/20, MoE +/- 4.5%) finds the 2006 rematch another tight affair, with current Gov. Martin O'Malley's (D) advantage shrinking.

General Election Matchup
O'Malley (D) 47 (-2 vs. last poll, 2/23)
Ehrlich (R) 44 (+1)
Und 7 (+2)

RCP currently classifies the race as Lean Democrat.

Fifty percent of Marylanders approve of the job O'Malley is doing as governor, while 48 percent disapprove. Ehrlich is viewed favorably by 56 percent of voters, unfavorably by 39 percent.

President Obama has a 59 percent approval rating in the state.

--------------------------------------------
Follow the RCP Blog on Twitter.
Become a fan of RCP on Facebook.
--------------------------------------------