Poll finds Fisher leading Brunner in race to replace Voinovich

3/30/2010

A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher leading Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner in the Democratic primary to replace U.S. Sen. George Voinovich.

The poll, released Tuesday, puts Mr. Fisher up 33 to 26 percent among likely Democratic voters, but with 40 percent undecided — and 65 percent willing to change their mind.

Mr. Fisher and Ms. Brunner are competing in the May 4 primary for the opportunity to appear on the November ballot opposite Republican Rob Portman, who is unopposed on the GOP ballot.

The numbers indicate that likely Democratic voters believe, by 37–18 percent, that Mr. Fisher is more likely to win the general election in November, according to an analysis by the Connecticut-based university polling institute.

The survey was conducted among 978 likely Democratic Ohio primary voters March 25-28, and has a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.

The poll shows Democrats becoming more decisive, and with Ms. Brunner narrowing the gap. The Quinnipiac poll a month ago found Mr. Fisher leading Ms. Brunner by 29 percent to 20 percent, and with 48 percent undecided.

Mr. Voinovich, a Republican, is not seeking re-election.