Republican Senator John Ensign

Incumbent Republican Senator John Ensign (R) is facing an increasingly competitive race in his bid for re-election to a second term in the U.S. Senate.  A recent Rasmussen Reports election survey of 500 likely voters shows Ensign’s lead in the single-digits—46% to 39%—over Democrat Jack Carter (see crosstabs ).

Though they’re already seen as their respective parties’ official candidates, both candidates must first face minor contests in Nevada’s August 15th primary.  Ensign is being challenged for the GOP nod by Ed “Fast Eddie” Hamilton of Las Vegas and Carter will square off against middle school science teacher Ruby Jee Tun of Carson City.  Neither challenger is expected to mount a serious race and Ensign and Carter are already turning their sights to November.

Primary day looks to have a greater impact in Nevada’s governor’s race.  In the wide-open contest to replace outgoing Governor Kenny Guinn (R), state Senator Dina Titus and Henderson Mayor Jim Gibson are slugging it out to represent the Democrats on November’s ballot.  Five-term Republican Congressman Jim Gibbons faces a minor challenge from state Senator Bob Beers.

Gibbons is the preferred candidate when pitted in head-to-head match-ups with both Titus and Gibson.  In a Gibbons-Titus contest, voters prefer Gibbons 46% to 37%.  He also tops Gibson, though by a smaller margin, 42% to 39%.

According to the survey’s respondents, immigration (21%), the economy (20%) and national security (20%) are the most pressing issues for Nevada’s voters.

Governor Kenny Guinn is closing out his tenure in a positive light with his constituents. Two-thirds of those surveyed (66%) give the outgoing governor their approval for his job performance.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.

Rasmussen Reports is an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information.

The Rasmussen Reports ElectionEdge™ Premium Service for Election 2006 offers the most comprehensive public opinion coverage ever provided for a mid-term election. We update the President's Job Approval Ratings daily and are polling every Senate and Governor's race at least once a month in 2006.

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Scott Rasmussen, president of Rasmussen Reports, has been an independent pollster for more than a decade.