The September edition of the Elway Poll shows Gov. Chris Gregoire leading her opponent Dino Rossi, but by how much depends on the description. When identified as "Republican Dino Rossi", Gregoire led by ten points, 51-41, but when respondents were told that their choice was "Dino Rossi, who prefers the GOP Party", he cut the lead to four, 48-44. With the numbers combined Gregoire leads by eight, 50-42.

Each sample contained 225 voters, a statistically insignificant number on their own, but the difference in results is telling. According to Elway, the change in party affiliation had its strongest impact on the level of support for the candidates, with more Democrats "definitely" supporting Gregoire against a Republican Party than a GOP candidate, and more independents "definitely" supporting the GOP candidate compared to the Republican candidate.

On the November ballot, new rules stemming from the "top two" primary allow candidates to select a preferred party. Rossi has indicated that he "prefers the GOP" party and Gregoire "prefers the Democratic" party.

Elway also asked respondents to judge the gubernatorial candidates on eight characteristics: vision, party, issues, experience, ability to manage, likeability, ability to inspire confidence, and leadership. Gregoire outpolled Rossi in six of the traits, with Rossi outpolling Gregoire handily in leadership ability, 48-26, and the two tied on the matter of vision for the future, 38-38.

In other polling from Elway, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) cut Sen. Barack Obama's (D-Ill.) lead from twelve points in July to just seven points now. Obama is head by a count of 45 percent to 38 percent

For statewide races, Attorney General Rob McKenna leads Democratic challenger John Ladenburg, 42-29; Republican Public Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland trails Democratic challenger Peter Goldmark, 31-33; and Randy Dorn leads Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergson 28-21.

All polls listed had a sample of 450 voters and a margin of error of +/- 4.6 percent.