A new poll out from Research 2000, conducted for WISH-TV, shows Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) in some trouble as he prepares for his re-election campaign. However, Daniels is in a better position than he might otherwise be, and Democrats aren't exactly getting the news they want.

The poll was conducted 9/10-14 and surveyed 800 likely voters, for a 3.5% margin of error. Daniels was surveyed alongside ex-Rep. Jill Long Thompson (D).

General Election (All/Dem/GOP/Ind)
Daniels 46%/ 9%/ 77%/ 42%
Long Thompson 38 / 74 / 7 / 40

Keeping an incumbent governor under 50% is hugely important. Long Thompson also faces a competitive primary, so she has room to grow among Democrats, while 18% of independents remain undecided.

The problem for Democrats: Long Thompson isn't seen as the party's strongest candidate. The former Congresswoman faces Jim Schellinger, a wealthy business owner, and State Senate Minority Leader Richard Young. Democrats in Washington have sent strong signals that Schellinger is their candidate of choice, and he already has at least eight staffers, including former Democratic Governors Association staffers and a former top aide to now-Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO).

At the end of the second quarter, Schellinger held a wide fundraising lead, with more than $1.1 million cash on hand, compared with just $70,000 for Young. Long Thompson did not have to file because she hadn't announced in time. Still, because of her name recognition, Long Thompson holds a big lead in early polling:

Primary Election (All/Men/Wom)
Long Thompson 41%/ 38%/ 44%
Young 16 / 19 / 13
Schellinger 10 / 12 / 8
Undecided 33 / 31 / 35

n=400, MoE= +/- 5%