The second poll in a week shows Republican Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna with a lead over Democratic US Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA, 1) in their head-to-head battle for governor.

Today, a KING 5 poll has McKenna up 44-38.

Last week, a Strategies 360 poll showed McKenna beating Inslee 46-39.

And today's results add weight to the numbers we focused on last week: McKenna's strength in the traditionally blue King County.

KING 5 reports:

McKenna’s early lead can be attributed in part to his strength in the Puget Sound area.  In King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, he’s even with Inslee at 41% each, which is significant for a Republican candidate.  As expected, McKenna picks up votes in more conservative eastern Washington with a 59%-25% advantage.  But the large population in the Metro Seattle area is key.