newsminer.com

Rasmussen Reports released results Tuesday from a new poll indicating Sen. Ted Stevens has squeaked out a fresh — albeit slim — advantage against Anchorage mayor and Democratic challenger Mark Begich.

Both Stevens and Begich face challenges in their respective August primaries but analysts are already eyeing a November showdown between the two.

From the public opinion polling organization's Web site:

"Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska has narrowly regained the advantage in his bid for a seventh term against Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich, as the numbers seesaw again in one of the nation’s most closely watched Senate contests.

"A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that Stevens, the longest serving Republican in the Senate, leads his Democratic opponent 46% to 44%. A month ago, it was Begich with an equally insignificant advantage, 47% to 45%. This is the third straight poll where the candidates have been within two points of each other.

"Stevens’ support is now identical to where he was in April, and still well below the 50% level where any incumbent is generally viewed as vulnerable. He was re-elected in 2002 with 78% of the vote."