A new round of the “Ohio Poll” from the University Of Cincinnati confirms incumbent Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland’s (D) momentum against Republican John Kasich, but the pollster reports Strickland’s surge is likely not enough to keep the Democrat in office for a second term.
The new survey, conducted among likely voters over the weekend, shows Kasich ahead 52-47. The last poll from the school, conducted in early October, showed Kasich ahead 51-43.
Despite Strickland’s movement to close in on the Republican, the pollster “projects victories for Republican candidates” in both the Buckeye State’s gubernatorial and Senate races.
The governor’s race has become one of the most closely-watched of the final days of the 2010 campaign, with Democrats hoping Strickland can hold off Kasich despite the state’s lagging economy and general malaise. A win in Ohio would be some good news for Democrats on a night many expect to be full of bad news for the party.
The TPM Poll Average shows Kasich ahead 48.9-45.9.
Trendlines show Strickland has closed the gap in the final month of the race:
