After 16 years of Republican rule in Wisconsin, a recent poll indicates Gov. Scott McCallum currently trails two Democrats.

U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett and Democratic Attorney General Jim Doyle are winning the support of Wisconsin voters, according to a poll by Harris Interactive, a New York research firm.

Not far behind these candidates are Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and Sen. Gary George, D-Milwaukee.

According to the poll, only 45 percent of Wisconsin voters believe the state is “moving in the right direction.”

Forty percent view the governor as “unfavorable,” while only 34 percent of the respondents gave a “favorable” view.

The poll has a marginal error of plus or minus 4 percent, and questioned 600 people chosen randomly.

McCallum?s spokesperson, Brian Christianson, referred to this poll as the “soup of the day,” claiming no one should get too excited over results that are changing constantly.

“McCallum is still confident, and the fact that he has not increased taxes to the people of Wisconsin is a number one feature to recognize,” he said.

Christianson said the media focus on McCallum has been both positive and negative due to the budget deficit.

Yet, McCallum?s well-known name and lucrative campaign funds could turn things around now that the cuts are over and he can focus on issues other than the budget.

Scot Ross, a spokesman for Kathleen Falk, said the result of the poll is great news.

“This is a wide open race, and the poll reinforces that,” he said.

Falk promised to cut 5 percent of her own salary to help demonstrate that everyone is affected by budget cuts, which helped gain publicity for her.

Brigid O?Brien, a spokesman for Barrett, said they are ecstatic to see that Barrett came out ahead of McCallum in the poll.

“We are very pleased; this is a clear indication of our momentum,” she said.

O?Brien said this poll demonstrates Wisconsin is ready to go in a new direction and is looking for something different. She said Barrett?s main concerns now will be to help education, bring more jobs to the state and protect the environment.

Thad Nation, spokesman for Doyle, said these polls illustrate a need for change.

“People are hungry for a positive vision,” he said.

Two prime issues of concern to Doyle are health care and education. He is committed to strengthening these programs in the state.

The campaign spokesperson for Sen. Gary George was not available for questions.