Latest poll shows Strickland narrowing gap in governor's race

10/26/2010

A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows Republican John Kasich with a 6-point lead in his race against incumbent Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland.

The poll of likely Ohio voters puts Mr. Kasich ahead 49-43 percent, with Mr. Strickland closing in. Quinnipiac's poll last week had Mr. Kasich ahead 51-41 percent.

Peter Brown, assistant director of the Connecticut university's polling institute, said the poll shows Mr. Strickland has momentum, but with only a week now to overcome the difference among undecided voters.

"The race in the last week will target undecided voters and voters who could change their mind," Mr. Brown said.

Also surveyed was likely voter opinion in the race for Ohio's open U.S. Senate seat. It showed Republican Rob Portman with a lead of 17 points, 53-36 percent, over Democrat Lee Fisher.