Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett (R) looks to be a strong favorite in the race to succeed Ed Rendell (D) as Pennsylvania's governor. A new Rasmussen poll (500 LVs, 12/10, MoE +/- 4.5%) shows Corbett's status as a prominent statewide officeholder helps him in the race against lesser-known Democratic foes.

General Election Matchup
Corbett 43 -- Wagner 30 -- Und 20
Corbett 48 -- Hoeffel 26 -- Und 17
Corbett 44 -- Onorato 28 -- Und 21
Corbett 46 -- Doherty 23 -- Und 22

Corbett does have a primary challenger in U.S. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R). A Rasmussen survey last month showed him comfortably ahead at that point, however.

Wagner is the state Auditor General, a lower-profile post but one that does give him a slight edge in name recognition on the Democratic side.

Favorable Ratings
Corbett 59 / 18
Wagner 37 / 30
Onorato 30 / 32
Hoeffel 26 / 35
Doherty 30 / 28