Sen.Lincoln in better shape in latest poll

A new poll shows Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) in better shape than other recent polling had her, but she is still well under 50 percent support.

The Daily Kos Resarch 2000 poll shows Lincoln leading recently declared candidate state Sen. Gilbert Baker (R) 44-37 and businessman Curtis Coleman (R) 45-37.

Both Baker and Coleman are unknown to about 75 percent of voters. Lincoln leads to even-lesser-known potential opponents – businessman Tom Cox and state Sen. Kim Hendren – by 17 and 19 points, respectively. But in both of those matchups, she is under 50, as well.

Lincoln’s favorable rating is 43 percent positive and 49 percent negative. She is viewed unfavorably by 29 percent of Democrats and 55 percent of independents.

Lincoln is set to become chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, which could help her on the campaign trail in 2010. Lincoln will become chairwoman with Sen. Tom Harkin's move to the Senate Health Committee. Harkin (D-Iowa) is taking over from Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), who died last month.