NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- Gov. Jodi Rell’s announcement that she will not seek re-election in 2010 has left the race for the governor’s seat wide open for a number of candidates.

A poll taken before the governor’s announcement showed Rell gaining momentum, along with Democrat challenger Susan Bysiewicz.

In an early look at the 2010 election, Rell scored 64 percent among Republicans, up from 59 percent this past September.

So far, the only Democrat to officially announce his candidacy is House speaker James Amaan.

However, according to the poll, it’s Bysiewicz who appears to have the most support. She polled best among Democratic challengers, trailing Rell only by 6 percentage points.

The governor said her decision not to run has nothing to do with her heath. In Monday’s emotional announcement Rell said it was time to leave.

She said she did a lot of soul searching and talked with her family before coming to this decision.

“You really do know inside that it's time to start a new chapter in your life,” Rell said.