Doug Mataconis · · 5 comments

Rand Paul’s initial mis-steps after winning the Republican primary seem to be largely behind him if the latest poll is to be believed:

Republican Rand Paul still holds a modest lead over Democrat Jack Conway in Kentucky’s U.S. Senate contest.

The latest Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of Likely Voters shows Paul picking up 49% support, while Conway earns the vote from 40%. Four percent (4%) prefer another candidate, and seven percent (7%) are undecided.

The latest results are almost identical to those found in three surveys conducted in July and June. With the exception of a big bounce immediately after his primary win, Paul has received between 46% and 50% support in match-ups with Conway since January. During the same period, Conway has earned between 34% and 42% of the vote.

When leaners are included in the new totals, Paul attracts 51% of the vote, while Conway picks up 41%. This is the first Rasmussen Reports Election 2010 survey in Kentucky to include leaners. Leaners are those who initially indicate no preference for either of the candidates but answer a follow-up question and say they are leaning towards a particular candidate.