Of all the recruiting successes Republicans have had, there might not be one bigger than if Gov. John Hoeven (R) would decide to challenge Sen. Byron Dorgan (D) in North Dakota. A new Rasmussen poll (500 LVs, 12/17, MoE +/- 4.5%) shows that the three-term governor easily could beat Dorgan if he runs.

General Election Matchups
Hoeven 58
Dorgan 36
Und 6

Dorgan 52
Sand 37
Und 8

Dorgan has a strong favorable rating, but Hoeven is immensely popular in the state; his third term as governor runs through 2012. Voters are roughly split on the best course for Hoeven -- 37 percent want him to stay governor, while 42 percent want him in the Senate.

Obama Job Approval: 41 / 58
Hoeven Job Approval: 87 / 11

Dorgan himself has a strong favorable rating, but in an anti-Democratic year could suffer as the party's health care plan is rather unpopular: only 30 percent favor the plan, while 64 oppose.

Favorable Ratings
Dorgan 61 / 36
Hoeven 82 / 15