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Democratic state Sen. Vincent Sheheen hasn't yet announced a challenge to South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley but he sent out an email to supporters Thursday touting a poll showing him leading the sitting governor and asking for campaign contributions. It's the type of appeal sent by actual candidates, not prospective ones. 

The email's subject line: "2014 SC Governor's race: Sheheen leads Haley, poll says."

"The past few days have been exciting for us," says Sheheen, who lost to Haley in 2010, in the email. "From the newest polls showing how ready South Carolina is for a new direction; to all of the encouraging messages on Twitter and Facebook, I believe our State's best days are ahead."

Sheheen is referring to an automated Public Policy Poll (PPP) released this week showing him leading Haley, 46 to 44 percent. Another recent poll conducted by Winthrip University showed Haley's approval rating underwater, with 42 percent of registered voters disapproving of her job performance and 40 percent approving.

"Together we can continue to hold this administration accountable and bring a message of honest government to the people of South Carolina," says Sheheen in the email, asking for a campaign donation.

Sheheen told Politico this week that a decision on running is still months away.