Latest Ohio Primary Poll

[OzarkDem]

from the Columbus Dispatch. This is a "primary poll" showing which candidates lead within their own party. Favorites are emerging in both parties.

Dem statewide candidates Brown and Strickland both show strong recognition within their own party. Brown is actually polling better than Strickland. A lot has to do with name recognition - an uphill battle, as the media in Ohio has all but completely blacked out news coverage of any Dem elected officials for the last 10 years with the possible exception of Traficant's scandals several years ago and occasional coverage of Dennis Kucinich.

On the GOP side, Blackwell is polling ahead of Petro.

http://www.dispatch.com/?story=dispatch/2006/03/26/20060326-A1-02.html

[skipos]

1. Strickland 47% Blackwell 35%

In this poll here.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/2006/State%20Polls/February%202006/Ohio%20Governor%20February.htm
The numbers haven't always been this good for Strickland, and it won't be easy, but I think we may win this one.

[OzarkDem]

2. I agree, this is the year to turn Ohio blue

Blackwell's situation is only going to get worse, as he's linked to more pay to play and other scandals. TEL is really starting to take a hit, also, even from within his own party.

The GOP scandals are going to be hard to overcome, even for DeWine. He's tied up in it too, having received money from Tom Noe. DeWine's recent votes on health care and his support of Medicare Part D are also going to drag him down.

[LA lady]

3. who is better?

Not being in Ohio, I am not very well informed on this race.
Who has the better chance against the Repuke, Strickland or Brown?

I was dissappointed in Brown's comment on Sen. Feingold's brave censure move:

"It just takes us off discussions we ought to be having in this country on issues that really matter in people's lives," said Rep. Sherrod Brown, a liberal Democrat from Ohio who is running for Senate.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

4. Brown is running in a Purple State

Ohio has a large independent/swing voter population. Remember that it wasn't that long ago that Ohio had a Democratic governor and two Democratic Senators (one of whom was Howard Metzenbaum, bless him). There is a perception that censure is a purely political ploy -- one which won't sit well with swing voters.

[OzarkDem]

5. Strickland is running for governor

Brown is running for US Senate. Strickland is from southern Ohio and Brown from the north. They're both long time friends and frequently campaign together. A good team.

As for Sherrod's quote on censure, I can't answer that question for him. My guess is he'll gladly back it in the future, but must feel the time isn't right to push the issue to the front when there are so many other less controversial areas where the GOP is vulnerable. Since he's a liberal who's been winning races for years in conservative areas, I'm willing to trust his judgement.

[roseBudd]

6. I would much rather have Blackwell to smear than Petro, it will be

easy to ensure Blackwell doesn't get the black vote and I imagine racist whites won't be voting for him either.