March Rasmussen Poll on Senate Race
Source.
It is worth pointing out that the 45-42 lead Dewine currently holds is well within the margin of error (4.5%). Given this and the recent Zogby poll the case could be made that Brown actually has higher support than Dewine, even given his lower name recognition. The 19% of those polled who are still "not sure" about Brown gives him even more room to improve his standing. I think it is safe to say that a large majority of the undecided will go to Brown as they become familiar with his character and impressive record in the House.
At the end of the report, Rasmussen makes this note:
My prediction is that as the Hackett supporters get their act together and rally behind Brown this will be changing. I would be surprised if Brown didn't surpass Dewine by May or June at the latest.
The report included some other interesting information as well:
The fact that only half of all voters say elections are generally fair to voters speaks volumes about our current Secretary of State and GOP Gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell. I'm glad they were aware enough to poll and report on this crucial issue. The part about people trusting churches as much as media outlets is a bit frightening to folks like me. In Ohio at least, it is the churches that mobilize voters on issues such as bans on abortion and gay marriage. This conjures up images of church busses full of country folk flocking to the polls to elect Republicans solely on these and other "religious/family" issues. Let's hope that is not the case.
April 1, 2006--The latest Rasmussen Reports survey of the Ohio Senate race shows Republican Senator Mike DeWine now leading Democratic Congressman Sherrod Brown by just a few percentage points, 45% to 42%, with 9% Not Sure.
In our mid-February survey, DeWine led Brown 46% to 37%, an improvement for DeWine attributable to Democratic in-fighting in the wake of Democrat Paul Hackett's controversial departure from the race. At the time, Brown's support among fellow Democrats had slumped by eight points, and it was unclear whether this would prove a hiccup or a persistent problem.
It seems to be a hiccup. Brown has now recaptured six percentage points from Democrats, attracting 75% support, the same percentage DeWine wins from Republicans.
DeWine is viewed favorably by 57% of likely voters, unfavorably by 38%. That's an improvement of six points compared to a month ago. Brown is viewed favorably by 46%, unfavorably by 35%.
Brown has more room than the incumbent to improve his standing both with all voters and with fellow party members. Nineteen percent (19%) are still Not Sure what to think about Brown, versus 5% Not Sure of DeWine. Sixteen percent (16%) of Democrats are also Not Sure of Brown. Only 2% of the GOP aren't sure about DeWine.
It is worth pointing out that the 45-42 lead Dewine currently holds is well within the margin of error (4.5%). Given this and the recent Zogby poll the case could be made that Brown actually has higher support than Dewine, even given his lower name recognition. The 19% of those polled who are still "not sure" about Brown gives him even more room to improve his standing. I think it is safe to say that a large majority of the undecided will go to Brown as they become familiar with his character and impressive record in the House.
At the end of the report, Rasmussen makes this note:
The rolling average of the last three Rasmussen Reports polls shows DeWine leading Brown 45% to 40%. It's also worth noting that while the race has remained close, Brown has never held the lead over DeWine in any of our Ohio election polls.
My prediction is that as the Hackett supporters get their act together and rally behind Brown this will be changing. I would be surprised if Brown didn't surpass Dewine by May or June at the latest.
The report included some other interesting information as well:
Half of all Ohio voters say elections are generally fair to voters, 37% say No. Fifty-nine percent (59%) believe most politicians would change their vote for a contribution, but 56% also oppose public funding of campaigns.
About as many voters place their highest trust in churches and civic organizations as sources of campaign information as award such trust to the media.
The fact that only half of all voters say elections are generally fair to voters speaks volumes about our current Secretary of State and GOP Gubernatorial candidate Ken Blackwell. I'm glad they were aware enough to poll and report on this crucial issue. The part about people trusting churches as much as media outlets is a bit frightening to folks like me. In Ohio at least, it is the churches that mobilize voters on issues such as bans on abortion and gay marriage. This conjures up images of church busses full of country folk flocking to the polls to elect Republicans solely on these and other "religious/family" issues. Let's hope that is not the case.
