Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, once one of Democrats' top targets, is looking more secure in his bid for re-election, as polls continue to show ex-Rep. Jill Long Thompson trailing by a wide margin. A new survey shows not much has changed since Long Thompson won the primary, while Daniels' political position in the state has improved.

The poll, conducted 6/22-29 by Bellweather Research & Consulting, surveyed 1,000 likely voters for a margin of error of +/- 3%. Daniels and Long Thompson were tested.

General Election Matchup
Daniels..............50 (+4 from last, 12/07)
Thompson.........36 (+3)

Daniels did not have the easiest first term, beset by controversies over privatizing the state's toll roads and the eternal conflicts between parts of the state residing in different time zones. But the survey shows Daniels' approval rating at a healthy 57%, while just 34% disapprove of the job he's doing as governor. His personal favorable rating is 55%, compared with just 33% who view him unfavorably.

Long Thompson retains the double problem of a lack of money and a lack of name recognition. Just 31% have a favorable impression of the Democrat, who lost her seat in Congress fourteen years ago, while 17% view her unfavorably. That means more than half the electorate has no opinion of Long Thompson, an issue she will have to overcome by advertising.

Democrats face a tremendously steep uphill climb in the Hoosier State, especially given the millions Daniels has already raised. Through the end of March, Daniels had already stockpiled $5.2 million for his campaign, while Long Thompson likely spent most of her money in the primary and had to start over. New finance reports will come out next week.