Ohio's troubled economy and corruption scandals have given Democratic Congressman Ted Strickland a persistent advantage over Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell in the race for Governor here.

Strickland maintains a double-digit advantage. As Election Day draws closer, though, his margin has declined by seven points. According to our new poll he now leads Blackwell 52% to 40% (see crosstabs). In mid-September the Democrat enjoyed a nineteen-point lead of 54% to 35%.

The economy remains a big issue for many Ohioans. As we noted in our State by State Ratings of the Economy, 30% call the economy "poor," the highest percentage to do so in any state we polled on the question. In the present survey, 93% say the economy is at least a somewhat important issue. And 67% say it's "very important"; more Democrats (78%) than Republicans (59%) say so.

Blackwell stresses tax cuts and spending cuts as the way out of the economic doldrums, while Strickland stresses government spending on education and jobs training. The candidates recently participated in their third debate, focused on the economy. But it was held a day after we conducted the current survey.

Blackwell is viewed favorably by 48%, unfavorably by 48%. This includes 34% with a "very unfavorable" opinion.

Strickland, viewed favorably by 53%, is viewed "very unfavorably" by 21%.

Government corruption is "very important" to 68% of likely voters. Largely thanks to corruption-related indictment, Republican Governor Bob Taft has seen his job approval rating take a nose dive. Only 24% now approve of his performance, and 46% "strongly disapprove." Amazingly, those numbers are the best Taft has seen in months.

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