O'Malley May Be Vulnerable in 2010 Maryland Governor Race

Following Republican wins in governors' races in New Jersey and Virginia, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is showing signs of vulnerabilty in his try for a second term in 2010, accordingt to a Clarus Research Group poll conducted Oct. 30 - Nov. 2.

Forty-eight percent of those polled said they wanted someone new in the governor's seat compared to 39 percent who wanted to see him re-elected.

However, in a race between former Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich, O'Malley, a Democrat, has a 47 percent to 40 percent advantage, with 3 percent preferring another choice and 10 percent undecided.

Forty-eight percent of voters approve of O'Malley's job performance compared to 40 percent who disapprove.

On seven of the 11 issues tested, O'Malley scored less than 40 percent approval: holding down state taxes, bringing new jobs to Maryland, managing the state budget, bringing people together to solve problems, putting Maryland's interest above partisan politics, keeping in touch with average citizens, and protecting consumers against high electric utility rates.