Sen. Daniel Inouye (D) could have a competitive race for re-election in 2010 if he were to face the most popular Republican in the state: Gov. Linda Lingle (R).

A recent poll by Research 2000 showed Inouye leading Lingle, 52 percent to 40 percent, with 8 percent undecided.

The poll showed Inouye in the lead, even though he and the two-term GOP governor have high marks from voters: Inouye had a 56 percent favorable rating from voters, while Lingle had a 51 percent favorable rating.

Lingle has not indicated she is interested in running for Senate, but GOP leaders are hopeful that she will either challenge Inouye in 2010 or Sen. Daniel Akaka (D) in 2012. Lingle is term-limited out of office next year.

The poll, paid for by the liberal Web site Daily Kos, surveyed 600 likely voters in the Aloha State from June 15 to 17 and had a margin of error of 4 points.