Washington State Senate: Rossi Takes Lead

Guy Benson | September 02, 2010 9:42 AM

Maybe that Larry Sabato character is onto something. A hot-off-the-presses Rasmussen survey out of Washington State shows Republican challenger Dino Rossi edging ahead of incumbent Democratic Senator Patty Murray:

The latest Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Voters in the state shows Republican challenger Dino Rossi attracting 48% of the vote while Democratic Senator Patty Murray earns support from 46%. Three percent (3%) prefer a different candidate, and three percent (3%) are undecided.

Earlier this month, Murray had a slight edge. However, the race has been very close all along.

Since May, Rossi has attracted support from either 47% or 48% of the vote in five out of six surveys. During that same time frame, Murray have been between 47% and 49% of the vote in five of six surveys.

Including leaners, Rossi's lead increases to three points and reaches the all-important 50 percent mark (Rossi 50/Murray 47). Rasmussen has officially re-categorized this race from "leans Democrat" to "toss-up."