Democrats Rebound a Bit in Ohio Senate Race

Democratic Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher has taken a lead of 41 percent to 37 percent over former Republican Rep. Rob Portman in the race to fill the seat of retiring GOP Sen. George Voinovich, according to a Quinnipiac University poll conducted March 23-29. Twenty-one percent are undecided. The margin of error is 2.5 points.

While both candidates command about the same level of support from members of their own parties, Portman is leading among independents by 41 percent to 31 percent, with 27 percent undecided. In February, Portman led Fisher by 40 percent to 37 percent, with 21 percent undecided.

If Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner was the Democratic nominee, she'd be in a statistical tie with Portman, leading him by 38 percent to 37 percent, with 23 percent undecided. Portman leads her among independents by 38 percent to 31 percent, with 29 percent undecided. In February, Portman led Brunner by 40 percent to 35 percent, with 23 percent undecided.

More than 6 in 10 voters say they haven't heard enough about any of the three to form a favorable or unfavorable opinion about them.

Forty-six percent say they want the senator elected from Ohio this year to oppose Obama's policies, while 44 percent want that senator to support them, and 10 percent are undecided.

A Quinnipiac poll released Monday found Fisher leading Brunner for the Democratic nomination by 33 percent to 26 percent, but 40 percent were still undecided. The primary is May 4.

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