Having a name that people know might be the biggest issue in the governor's race right now. A new Quinnipiac University poll shows Connecticut businessman and former U.S. Senate candidate Ned Lamont on top of the heap in the Democratic primary race right now, although most people pollsters talked to are still undecided.
Ned Lamont leads with 27 percent. But there are many undecideds out there -- 44 percent. Stamford mayor Dannel Malloy got 11 percent, while "other Dems" takes 18 percent.
"On the Democratic side, Ned Lamont has taken the 'lead' with the exit of Susan Bysiewicz, but much of that is due to his greater name recognition. Malloy is within striking range and it is possible for a lesser known candidate to emerge," University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz said.
The Republican primary is also far from decided, with former ambassador Tom Foley leading the charge with 17 percent.
Lt. Gov. Mike Fedele takes 8 percent, while 59 percent are undecided and 16 percent would chose a different GOP candidate.
"Two Greenwich millionaires - Foley and Lamont - are leading the pack for the nomination for Governor. At a time when a lot of Connecticut families are hurting because of the tough economy, how will that play?" Schwartz asked.
If the general election were to happen today, here's a look at how a few match-ups might end up, according to Quinnipiac:
Lamont edges Foley, 38 to 36 percent
Lamont tops Fedele, 41 to 32 percent
Malloy beats Foley, 37 to 33 percent
Malloy leads Fedele, 37 to 31 percent
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Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz is leading the pack for State Attorney General with 62 percent of those polled, saying they would vote for her. Former Democratic State Chairman George Jepson came in second at 10 percent and 24 percent remain undecided.
Poll experts believe that name recognition is a big factor in these early returns.
"On the Democratic side, Ned Lamont has taken the 'lead' with the exit of Susan Bysiewicz, but much of that is due to his greater name recognition. Malloy is within striking range and it is possible for a lesser known candidate to emerge," Schwartz said.
See all the results from the poll on Quinnipiac University's Web site.
