Poll: Leahy Would Beat Douglas

A new Research 2000 poll pitted Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) against Gov. Jim Douglas (R-VT) in a hypothetical match-up for Leahy's seat, which is up for election in 2010.

The poll shows that Leahy would handily defeat Douglas, 58% to 36%. Douglas still retains a decent approval rating of 52%, but it pales in comparison to Leahy's approval rating of 63%.

Douglas is widely thought to be the only Republican who could pose any sort of challenge to Leahy, but this poll shows that even if Douglas were to run, Leahy would barely break a sweat. Also, Douglas is up for reelection in 2010 and has not yet indicated any interest in running.