Job approval ratings for Alaska's two top statewide Republicans show that first-term Sen. Lisa Murkowski is in a strong position right now should Gov. Sarah Palin decide to challenge her in a GOP primary in 2010, according to a Hays Research Group poll poll conducted Mar. 24-25.

The survey found that Palin, John McCain's 2008 running mate, has a 59.8 positive approval rating and 34.9 percent negative rating, while Murkowski received a 71.6 percent positive approval rating and 20.9 percent negative rating. The remaining respondents didn't express an opinion.