It's becoming increasingly clear that Gov. John Lynch's (D) once sky-high popularity has come back to earth. A Public Policy Polling (D) survey is the latest to show New Hampshire's governor facing a more competitive election bid as he runs for an unprecedented fourth two-year term.

General Election Matchups
Lynch 47 -- Kimball 35 -- Und 18
Lynch 47 -- Stephen 36 -- Und 18
Lynch 47 -- Testerman 29 -- Und 23

To be fair, Lynch is far safer than some of the other Democratic incumbents seeking new terms this fall. But he's facing new criticism from a revitalized New Hampshire GOP as well as national groups over his six-year record. His job approval rating is down to 44 percent, and failing to reach 50 percent under little-known opponents is a sign of vulnerability.

Lynch launched an early TV ad defending his record this week.

A PPP primary poll showed former state health commissioner John Stephen with an early edge in the GOP race.

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