A new independent poll provides further evidence that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) faces a very tough road to re-election in 2010.

The poll, conducted by the firm Research 2000 for the liberal Daily Kos Web site, showed Reid trailing two potential Republican challengers, businessman Danny Tarkanian and outgoing state GOP Chairwoman Sue Lowden. Tarkanian led Reid 45 percent to 40 percent, while Lowden was up 44 percent to 41 percent.

The poll of 600 likely voters was taken Aug. 31 to Sept. 2 and had a 4-point margin of error.

Equally ominous for Reid was his favorability rating in the poll. Of the voters surveyed, 36 percent had a favorable view of the veteran lawmaker, while 52 percent viewed him unfavorably.

While Republicans have talked boldly of ousting Reid all election cycle, it’s only recently that the race has attracted potentially viable GOP candidates. Tarkanian is the son of legendary former University of Nevada-Las Vegas basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian — but he has lost races for local offices in the past.