In sports there’s an old saying that I like to quote: “It’s not a rivalry until both sides win.” I’m thinking it’d be wise to extend that to political polling, and say that a race isn’t truly close until both sides have led.

In that case, the Maryland Governor’s race is truly close now.

Yes, Magellan Strategies via Real Clear Politics now has Robert Ehrlich leading Martin O’Malley 46-43 (MoE 3.6). It’s still obviously a close race, but Ehrlich takes his first lead that I’ve seen this cycle.

That matters. Now the next question is: Can O’Malley turn the momentum and take another lead later? We’ll all be watching, I’m sure.

Crossposted from Unlikely Voter