Sen. Bennet's primary challenger within striking distance

A new poll shows appointed Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) could indeed have a difficult primary on his hands in 2010.

The Tarrance Group (R) poll for the Colorado Policy Institute appears to be the first public polling on Bennet’s primary with former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff. It shows Bennet leading Romanoff 41-27.

Bennet, like other appointees to the Senate, has not posted the strongest approval ratings and could be vulnerable in both the primary and the general election.

In the GOP primary, recently declared candidate and former Lt. Gov. Jane Norton leads Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck 45-15. For some reason, Aurora City Councilman Ryan Frazier was not included in the GOP primary polling.

Also, in the GOP gubernatorial primary, former Rep. Scott McInnis leads state Sen. Josh Penry 40-13. The winner faces Gov. Bill Ritter (D), whom a majority of voters in the poll said should be ousted for someone new.