Ohio Sees Pro-Life Candidates Kasich, Portman Leading for Governor, Senate
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
September 29, 2010
Columbus, OH (LifeNews.com) — The two pro-life candidates in Ohio continue to lead their respective races for governor and the U.S. Senate. Republican John Kasich now holds an eight percent lead over Democratic incumbent Ted Strickland while pro-life GOP candidate Bob Portman leads his Senate race.
The latest Rasmussen Reports statewide telephone survey of likely voters shows Kasich picking up 50% of the vote while Strickland, who backs abortion, draws support from 42% with leaners included. The poll shows three percent prefer another candidate and four percent are undecided.
Two weeks ago, Kasich led Strickland 50% to 43% when leaners were included in the totals. Leaners are those who initially indicate no preference for either of the candidates but answer a follow-up question and say they are leaning towards a particular candidate, Rasmussen noted.
When leaners are excluded from the totals, Kasich leads 49% to 41%. In the previous survey, he led 48% to 40% without leaners. In surveys since December, Kasich has earned 45% to 50% support, while Strickland has captured 38% to 45% of the vote.
Eight-two percent (82%) of Kasich’s supporters are already certain of how they will vote in November, as are 83% of Strickland’s backers.
Meanwhile, the Rasmussen poll shows Portman now crossing the 50% mark for the first time in Ohio’s U.S. Senate race.
The poll shows Portman with 51% support versus pro-abortion Democratic Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher’s 42% when leaners are included. One percent (1%) prefer some other candidate, and six percent (6%) remain undecided. Portman held a 49% to 41% lead two weeks ago.
"Excluding leaners, it’s a 49% to 41% race with Portman in the lead. Prior to the latest findings, the GOP candidate has led Fisher in nearly every survey since February with 42% to 49% of the vote. The Democratic hopeful in that same period has picked up 37% to 43% support," the polling firm says.
In May, Ohio Right to Life issued its 2010 general election endorsements and backed Portman along with gubernatorial candidate Kasich.
Mike Gonidakis, on behalf of the Ohio Right to Life PAC, told LifeNews.com that Ohio voters will likely send pro-abortion members of Congress a resounding wake-up call this November.
"Based upon the failed leadership in Congress and the collective abandonment of the will of the people relating to the pro-abortion federal health care vote, Ohio Right to Life enthusiastically and proudly endorses a strong pro-life congressional slate," he said.
He added, "Ohioans are united regarding the belief that our Congress needs a wake-up call and this November we will deliver a resounding message with the election of new members to Congress to include: Rob Portman, Steve Chabot, Jim Renacci, and Tom Ganley."
The pro-abortion health care bill President Barack Obama signed into law, with the help of most of the Democrats in the House and Senate — and over the objections of all Republicans — played a significant role in the endorsements, the Right to Life leader said.
Related web sites:
Ohio Right to Life PAC – https://www.ohiovotesforlife.org
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