Nixon continues to lead Blunt in statewide poll

Incumbent Gov. Matt Blunt (R) is trailing Attorney General Jay Nixon (D) in a new poll released by Rasmussen that pits the two rivals against each other in the 2008 gubernatorial contest.

Nixon leads Blunt by 5 points, the largest amount since Rasmussen began conducting the gubernatorial polls three months ago.

The report attributes Blunt's trailing numbers to "political trouble in part because of Medicaid cuts during his administration."

The poll found that 47 percent of respondents supported Nixon and 42 percent Blunt. Among independnet voters, Nixon led Blunt by 19 points, the report said. The report also noted a 4 point increase in those who disapprove of Blunt's performance as governor.

The survey was conducted in partnership with Fox News.

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