A new poll from a Washington research group says Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley could face challenges when he seeks re-election next year.

The nonpartisan Clarus Research Group conducted a statewide poll of 637 Maryland voters between Oct. 30 through Nov. 2. Findings indicate 39 percent of voters say they want to see O'Malley re-elected, versus 48 percent who say they would prefer someone new to win.

In addition, the poll says 48 percent of voters approve of the job O'Malley is doing, but 40 percent disapprove. In a trial match against former Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich, O'Malley leads by a 47-40 percent margin.

Ehrlich has not said whether he will run against O'Malley in the 2010 election.

Clarus says the poll's margin of error is plus or minus 3.9 percent.