2010: Perry 51, White 38

Rasmussen Reports released new poll numbers today showing Gov. Rick Perry widening his lead over Bill White.

The results are as follows: Perry has 51 percent, White has 38 percent, "some other candidate" has 4 percent and 6 percent are "not sure."

This is White's poorest showing to date. The previous Rasmussen poll had him trailing Perry within the margin of error, 44 to 48.

Here's more from Rasmussen on what it found:

Fifty-five percent (55%) of voters in the state currently approve of the job Perry is doing as governor, roughly the level of support he’s maintained over the previous two months. Forty-two percent (42%) disapprove.

Seventeen percent (17%) have a Very Favorable opinion of Perry, while 24% view him Very Unfavorably.

White, the former mayor of Houston, is viewed Very Favorably by 15% and Very Unfavorably by 15%.

Both candidates are well-known in the state, but at this point in a campaign, Rasmussen Reports considers the number of people with strong opinions more significant than the total favorable/unfavorable numbers.