Democratic Polling Puts Strickland in the Lead in OH-Gov

Yesterday I noted three polls out of the Ohio Governor's race showing Democratic incumbent Ted Strickland surging. Now new Democratic polling from the race has been released with data showing Strickland leading for the first time in months.

Building on a recent trend of favorable public opinion survey results, Gov. Ted Strickland (D) now has forged into the lead --- 41% to 40% --- over John Kasich (R) in a very hot gubernatorial race, according to a recently-concluded poll by the highly-respected Benenson Strategy Group of Washington, DC.

Six (6) percent of respondents chose other candidates and 13% were undecided. The poll of 600 likely voters was taken conducted from September 25 - 27, 2010.

Speaking for Benenson Strategy Group, pollster Peter Brodnitz said, “As early voting begins, the race for Governor is a dead heat: Governor Strickland leads John Kasich 41% to 40%, including leaners. While Kasich’s ballot support and favorability are essentially the same – 40% support Kasich and 41% are favorable toward him – Governor Strickland’s 47% favorable rating exceeds both his current ballot support [41%] and is 6% higher than Kasich’s favorable rating.”

Pollster.com's sensitive trend estimate, which does not include this Benenson survey but which does include a one-day Rasmussen poll significantly more favorable to Republican John Kasich, looks pretty stellar for Strickland.



Considering where this race was not all that long ago, the fact that Strickland has been gaining ground like he has -- and perhaps even leads -- is remarkable.