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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Republican candidate for governor Nikki Haley still leads Democrat Vincent Sheheen in a new poll.

According to the latest Rasmussen Reports poll released Thursday, Haley grabbed 47 percent of the 500 likely voters called randomly.  Sheheen picked up 38 percent.

Four percent like another candidate, while 11 percent remain undecided.

The survey was taken the night the candidates held the first of three scheduled debates.

Those latest findings are on par with a similar poll released by Winthrop University last week.  In Winthrop's poll, Haley commanded a nine point lead holding 46 percent.  Sheheen held 37 percent.

One month ago in a previous Rasmussen Reports poll, Haley led Sheheen 50 percent to 33 percent.  Trends show a shrinking lead over the past month and the first time in a Rasmussen poll she's held a single digit lead.

Rasmussen Reports will release updated numbers from the South Carolina U.S. Senate race later this week.

WACH Fox News and MidlandsConnect.com will keep you updated.  Visit our Politics Page for the latest.