The new poll shows that a ballot measure in support of gay marriage would face a tough fight since Oregonians are pretty closely divided on the issue (and it's generally easier to get folks to vote no instead of yes on any ballot measure).

A followup question from the same poll asked voters to choose among gay marriage, civil unions (which are already allowed in the state) and "no legal recognition of a gay couple's recognition."

In that scenario, 43 support backed gay marriage, 33 percent supported civil unions and 22 percent said there should be no legal recognition for gay couples.