During the past several months, Democratic Congressman Ted Strickland's edge over Republican Secretary of State Ken Blackwell has ranged from four to seventeen percentage points. Now, in our latest election poll of Ohio's gubernatorial race, Congressman Strickland leads his opponent by an intimidating 57% to 32% (see crosstabs).

Last month, Strickland led 51% to 37%. The Ohio Senate race between incumbent Mike DeWine (R) and challenger Sherrod Brown (D) is much more competitive.

We conducted the new survey August 22, several days after the Strickland campaign began airing positive TV ads about the Democrat. The health of the steel industry has been one issue this electoral season, and Strickland's ad touts his help in securing a loan for an ailing steel company.

Blackwell is not well established even with GOP voters, only 59% of whom now support him. He is perceived as conservative by 51% of all voters.

By contrast, Strickland appeals to 88% of Democrats, and 55% of unaffiliated voters. A plurality of all voters (44%) see him as moderate.

Strickland is viewed favorably by 59%, Blackwell by 40%.

Blackwell is viewed unfavorably by 55%. More ominously, 35% view him "very" unfavorably, a four-point increase since last month.

Especially after President Bush narrowly captured the state's electoral votes in 2004, strategists in both major parties see Ohio as a swing state, and expect that having a Governor of the same party as their presidential nominee can only help.

Republicans have held the governor's mansion in Ohio for the past 16 years, but the current scandal-plagued administration is not exactly well-regarded these days. Only 19% approve of the job Governor Bob Taft is doing; 79% disapprove. Any GOP nominee would have had a tough job in this environment.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members.