It seems that Steve Pearce, despite being down nearly 10 points (51% to 41%) to his Democratic rival, has cut the lead down by more than half and has cut what was once a 32 point lead amongst unaffiliated voters to a mere 9 point difference.

Both Udall and Pearce have agreed to four debates, three of which will occur during the last two weeks of the campaign and one to appear on NBC's "Meet the Press" in October.

To some extent, as gas prices continue to squeeze American finances, Pearce has been riding the rise of approval behind offshore drilling particularly among his stable Republican base but also among many independents and libertarian-minded voters. This pull could prove beneficial to the Republican hopeful as the debates commence and energy taking a higher priority in the American voting conscience.

If Udall declares his support for lifting the ban, Pearce has a head wind in his campaign sails that may carry him over to Senate come November.