Rasmussen Reports reverse: McConnell up seven

A new poll from Rasmussen Reports shows incumbent Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Louisville) with a seven point lead over his opponent, businessman Bruce Lunsford (D-Louisville). The results are a significant change from the late-May poll by the same firm showing Lunsford up five points - a poll derided as "bogus" by the McConnell camp.

The survey of 500 "likely" voters in Kentucky shows McConnell up 48 to 41 percent over McConnell just over a month after Rasmussen gave Lunsford a 49 to 44 percent lead.

The margin of error on the newest poll is plus or minus 4.5 percent.

Rasmussen also shows McConnell topping Lunsford on favorability ratings, as the four-term incumbent garners a rating of "very favorable" or "somewhat favorable" from 56 percent of respondents compared to 43 percent for Lunsford. Those rating McConnell "somewhat unfavorable" or "very unfavorable" constituted 40 percent of the sample.

In that category, Lunsford hit 46 percent, potentially showing a distinct hurdle for the Democratic candidate. In the earlier Rasmussen poll, Lunsford hit 43 percent in this category. In previous statewide runs for Governor and in the Democratic Senate primary this year, Lunsford has been embroiled in contentious competitions that have revived past allegations of business impropriety at some of his former holdings.

11 percent of respondents were "unsure" about Lunsford compared to 4 percent for McConnell.

The swing in the polls from the firm comes after a relatively quiet month in the campaign, highlighted by debate over energy policy largely sparked by questioning from McConnell. McConnell's fierce pro-drilling position to lower gas prices has contrasted with Lunsford, who has supported a gas-tax holiday and alternative energy solutions in recent weeks.

After Rasmussen's last poll on the Kentucky Senate race, McConnell's camp derided the firm, declaring the findings the result of a "bogus poll."

In an article released in conjunction with today's results, Rasmussen Reports referenced the attack and defended their methods.

"For those who are interested, Rasmussen Reports is proud of our track record. We provided a very accurate assessment of the Kentucky Governor's race last fall, and in Senate races across the nation," read the release.