Poll: Patty Murray Leads Dino Rossi in Wash.

Earlier polls showed Republican Dino Rossi leading Democratic incumbent Patty Murray in the Senate race in Washington State, but a new survey has Murray comfortably ahead by a 9-point margin. The Elway poll, which focuses on races in the Northwest, has Murray leading Rossi, 50 percent to 41 percent.

A poll by Survey USA last month had Rossi leading 52 percent to 45 percent, and a Rasmussen poll in September had the Republican ahead 48 percent to 46 percent, according to the Seattle Times.

Pollster Stuart Elway cautioned that there are many “soft” supporters for both candidates.