Early polling numbers paint an unsettling picture for Sen. Claire McCaskill’s re-election chances.

The results of the latest Public Policy Polling survey show her tied for the first time with each of three potential Republican challengers. Previously she has been running ahead.

Her approval ratings have fallen as well: just 42 percent of the respondents approve of the job she has been doing, while 49 percent disapprove. Among independents, who are usually pivotal in Missouri elections, she fares even worse: 36 percent gave her a thumbs up; 53 percent a thumbs down.

As PPP, a North Carolina-based Democratic firm, points out, McCaskill’s “saving grace” is that none of her possible opponents are faring much better with the public. Name recognition for each is below 50 percent, although the state’s GOP primary is not until August and its internal party struggle for the Senate nod is just now underway.

Republican Rep. Todd Akin, from suburban St. Louis, and former state Treasurer Sarah Steelman also both have higher unfavorable ratings than favorable. The views on candidate John Brunner, a businessman in his first run for elective office, were equally split:18 percent favorable and unfavorable.

“If the Republicans had a candidate who was setting the world on fire, McCaskill would probably be trailing for reelection given her approval numbers,” according to the survey’s analysis. “But instead she finds herself tied at 43 percent with Akin, Brunner, and Steelman alike. This is the first time we've ever not found McCaskill leading her trio of Republicans foes. In four previous polls she had led Steelman by 1-3 points, in 3 previous polls she had led Akin by 1-2 points, and in 2 previous she had led Brunner by 6-9 points. It's not like she'd had a huge lead but the small one she had is gone.”

Missouri has gotten tougher for Democrats and most observers always thought the Senate contest would be close, regardless of who McCaskill faced. A lot also can happen between now and next fall.

But if nothing else, the numbers show that even in a weak Republican field, it’s – so far, anyway – not looking like a good year to be a Democrat.