Latest WA-SEN Poll Shows Murray Facing Trouble From Potential Rossi Run

For those of you playing along at home, the latest poll numbers for the Washington Senate election in November are in, and they show incumbent Democrat Patty Murray taking three of her four current challengers out to the woodshed. Murray holds double digit leads over former Redskins tight end Clint Didier, State Senator Don Benton and author and public speaker Chris Widener.

The fourth name brought up as a challenger to Murray - not so much. Former State Senator and perennial gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi holds a 3 point lead on Murray, according to yesterday's poll numbers. Progressives probably don't need to panic yet - the lead is within the 4.5 point margin of error of the poll, which was conducted by Rasmussen, a very good source of poll numbers nationally that does tend to skew a bit to the right. Still, it demonstrates that a Rossi/Murray race could run neck and neck - much closer than state Dems can be comfortable with.

If Rossi decides to run, that is. He's remained canny about his interest in the seat, but is getting encouragement from the GOP establishment across the country. These numbers, which represent Rossi's second consecutive month with a slim lead on Murray, probably aren't doing anything to dissuade him from a possible run.
Granted, these are early numbers, and a lot could change between now and the June 11 filing deadline, but with the best name recognition of the current challengers, experience running in statewide elections and a turn-key fundraising operation, Rossi is the de facto GOP frontrunner for the seat, whether he's running or not.