A new WCAX poll shows incumbent Gov. Jim Douglas (R-Middlebury) leading his two key challengers, House Speaker Gaye Symington (D-Jericho) and Anthony Pollina (I-Middlesex) by more than 20 points.

The poll of 400 likely voters showed Douglas with 47 percent of the voter's support, while Symington held 24 percent. Meanwhile,  support for Pollina grew significantly to 23 percent. 

Since WCAX's last poll in September, Symington has dropped nearly 9 percent in the polls, while Pollina has leapt 16 percent. The virtual dead heat could explain why the Douglas camp has now shifted its focus to Pollina.

Douglas also dropped in the polls, but only by 1 point from 48 percent in the last poll. 

In order to win the governor's seat, the candidate must win 50 percent of the vote, or else the state legislature must vote on the next governor. According to the recent poll, no candidate has yet achieved the support of 50 percent of voters.

 WCAX's poll also measured the favorability ratings of the candidates. 

The governor had the highest favorability ratings of all candidates, scoring a 50 percent favorability rating with a 42 percent unfavorability rating. Pollina ranked the next highest in terms of favorability, with 45 percent of voters viewing him in a favorable manner, 35 percent viewing him unfavorably, and 20 percent without an opinion. Symington rounded out the groups with a 34 percent favorability rating, 45 percent unfavorable rating, and 21 percent without an opinion.

Since the last poll WCAX conducted, Douglas and Pollina have seen increases in their favorability ratings, while Symington's slipped 2 percent.