Ohio Pro-Life Candidates Kasich, Portman Lead Strickland, Fisher in New Polls

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Jan 18, 2010   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Ohio Pro-Life Candidates Kasich, Portman Lead Strickland, Fisher in New Polls

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
January 18
, 2010

Columbus, OH (LifeNews.com) — The Ohio Right to Life pro-life organization has released the results of a new poll showing two pro-life candidates leading their opponents in top 2010 election matchups. The poll has gubernatorial candidate John Kasich and U.S. Senate candidate Rob Portman leading.

The Wenzel Strategies telephone survey of 1001 Ohio registered voters found Kasich holds a 10-point lead over pro-abortion Gov. Ted Strickland.

Portman holds a six-point lead over both potential opponents Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, the survey found.

Ohio Right to Life executive director Mike Gonidakis told LifeNews.com today the results are similar to a Rasmussen Reports survey released last week showing both candidates leading.

"The 2010 election is critically important to the pro-life movement," Gonidakis said.

"We are encouraged to see pro-life candidates lead in two of the most impactful races of the year," he added. "Ohio Right to Life will continue to monitor these races and inform the pro-life community as to where our candidates stand."

The poll found Kasich leading Strickland 42.5-32.6 percent with 7.8 percent saying another candidate and 17.2 percent unsure.

In addition to measuring key statewide races, the survey also tested Gov. Strickland’s overall job approval rating. Respondents were generally displeased with the governor’s performance, with only 31 percent saying he is doing an excellent or good job.

In the Senate race, Portland led Fisher 36.9 to 30.7 percent with 8.8 percent naming another candidate and 23.7 percent undecided. Against Brunner, Portland led 40.4 to 34.5 percent with 6.4 percent saying another candidate and 18.8 percent unsure.

"The results in these Ohio races reflect a significant change from just a few months ago, which mirrors the dramatic change in the political landscape this year," said pollster Fritz Wenzel.

"National issues have dominated, and the Democrats have seen a steep decline in the popularity of their leaders and their proposals. Democrats Strickland, Fisher and Brunner have the added difficulty of presiding over a state that has languished through a very tough economic time," Wenzel added.

The survey was conducted January 8-12, 2010, and included 1001 Ohio registered voters contacted by phone. The poll carries a 95% confidence interval and a margin of error of +/- 3.07 percentage points.

Related web sites:
Ohio Right to Life – https://www.ohiolife.org

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