Finally going over 50 percent, incumbent Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski leads his GOP challenger Ron Saxton 51-44.

This is in the Rasmussen poll, released today. Last month, Ted was up by five- 47-42.

Here’s some more factoids from the poll:

Ted’s job approval rating is 57%, disapproval is 41%.

Ted;s “very favorables” have jumped six points to 21% and Saxton’s is up five to 20%.

Ted’s “very unfavorables” remain at 20%; Ron’s go up three points to 27%.

holdThe incumbent’s “very unfavorable” rating remains unchanged at 20% and Saxton’s is up three points to 27%.

Fifty-four percent (54%) of Ted supporters will cast a positive vote for the governor and 39% will do so to vote against his challenger. Among Saxton’s supporters, 65% will vote for him because he’s their preferred candidate, and 29% will use the chance to vote against the incumbent.

Generally, Democrats scored better on Iraq and the economy.

Among Oregon voters, 47% said the Democrats can be trusted more than Republicans (42%) when it comes to the war in Iraq.

On who would do a better job with the economy: 50% of Oregonians say the Dems, 40% say the GOPs.