Obama leading in new Ohio poll

The newest survey from the respected Quinnipiac University poll puts President Barack Obama solidly in the lead in Ohio over Republican Mitt Romney, but still short of 50 percent.

The poll out Wednesday morning said Mr. Obama was ahead of Mr. Romney 47 percent to 38 percent.

The incumbent is also leading in two other important swing states, Florida and Pennsylania.

Click here to see poll

Peter Brown, assistant director of the Connecticut-based polling institute said voters support the President’s new immigration policy and are divided on whether the President or former Massachusetts Governor Romney would be better for their personal economic future.

The last Quinnipiac poll, in early May, showed the race too close to call in Ohio.

Ohio is considered a key state because no president has been elected since 1960 without carrying the Buckeye State.

“President Barack Obama has decent margins over Gov. Mitt Romney in Ohio and Pennsylvania and a smaller advantage in Florida. If he can keep those leads in all three of these key swing states through election day he would be virtually assured of re-election,” Mr. Brown said.

He said the President’s lead is based on a big lead among women, younger voters and African-Americans. In Florida, on the heels of the president’s order that will prevent the deportation of some younger illegal immigrants, he holds a big lead among Hispanic voters.

“The horse race numbers reflect the general view of voters that they like the president better. Obama has a net favorable view among Ohio voters and he is viewed evenly by those in Pennsylvania and Florida, while Romney’s favorable/unfavorable ratio is negative in all three states.

Voters in all three states voice strong support for the president’s mini ‘Dream Act’ immigration order, and they say the president would be better than Romney handling immigration, Mr. Brown said.

For much of the last year, more voters in these swing states have said Romney would do a better job on the economy. That advantage has largely disappeared, at least for now.”

Pollsters interviewed 1,237 Ohio voters June 19-25, and the poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent.