In the race for Alabama governor, incumbent Bob Riley leads Lt. Governor Lucy Baxley 54% to 40% according to a Rasmussen poll of likely voters. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 4.5%.

Both candidates have gained support over the past month – in a May Rasmussen poll Riley garnered 49% support of likely voters and Baxley got 37%, but the new poll is naturally better news for Riley than his opponent.

Riley has likely benefited from the recent strength of Alabama’s economy. The state was recently declared number 1 for economic growth in the south by Southern Business and Development.

Despite the gap in voting booth intentions, both candidates enjoy high favorability ratings: 71% of those polled thought favorably of Riley, and 66% of Baxley.