A survey of registered voters commissioned by the Albuquerque Journal found 45 percent of those polled supporting Madrid, the state's attorney general, compared with 42 percent backing Wilson. The poll was conducted October 17 to 19 and had a margin of error of 4.4 percent.

The poll is the first of three commissioned by the Journal to show Madrid with an edge, albeit one within the margin of error. But Madrid's lead is less than the 8-point advantage she was given in a SurveyUSA KOB-TV poll in mid-October or her 10-point edge in a Zogby poll earlier in the month.

The same Journal poll also suggests voters view Wilson as the more honest candidate, an important distinction in a race notable for the ferocity of ads attacking the credibility of both candidates. Wilson was seen as somewhat or very honest by 56 percent of those polled. Only 49 percent described Madrid as somewhat or very honest, including only 69 percent of Democrats. Wilson got points for honesty from 89 percent of Republicans.

Wilson has repeatedly attacked Madrid's record of fighting corruption in the state, which has been racked by allegations of misconduct by two former state treasurers.

Madrid spokesman Heather Brewer said the poll validates the campaign's confidence as Election Day approaches.

"Patricia Madrid is on the road to victory," she says. "I expect it to be close, but I don't expect it to be anywhere near as close as anyone thought it would be." But Brewer dismissed the results of the poll's honesty question as an inaccurate reflection of voters' views on the issue.

Wilson's campaign did not return calls for comment.

–Will Sullivan