Rasmussen’s latest poll, released today, shows Republican Dino Rossi slightly edging Sen. Patty Murray (D) by a single point — 48 percent to 47 percent — among likely voters, with just two percent undecided (three percent support “some other candidate” even though no other candidates will appear on the ballot).

An identical poll taken just last week had Murray ahead by three points — 49 percent to 46 percent — so this latest result appears to indicate significant momentum in Rossi’s direction. A look at other recent polling reveals a clear pattern:

Rasmussen (10/27): Murray 47 — Rossi 48

McLatchy/Marist (10/14-10/17): Murray 48 — Rossi 47

Public Policy Polling (10/14-10/16): Murray 49 — Rossi 47

SurveyUSA (10/11-10/14): Murray 50 — Rossi 47

The fact that Murray can’t crack 50 percent this close to Election Day can only benefit the Republican challenger. The timing of the poll further suggests that much-touted visits from Democratic heavyweights such as former president Clinton, Joe Biden, and both Obamas, did little to boost Murray’s campaign, and instead may have had the unintended effect of fueling support for Rossi.