Democratic Congressman Ted Strickland enjoys a four-to-sixteen point lead over possible Republican opponents in the Ohio governor's race, according to our first survey to include all three Republican candidates to emerge to date. (Deadline to file in the primaries is February 16.)

Thus far, Ken Blackwell is Strickland's strongest potential adversary, particularly among conservatives, evangelicals and Bush supporters. (see earlier Strickland-Blackwell survey).

In prospective match-ups between Strickland and each Republican contender, Strickland leads Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell 44% to 40% (slightly less than the poll's margin of error of 4.5%); leads Attorney General Jim Petro 43% to 38%; and wallops State Auditor Betty Montgomery 49% to 33%.

At least 12% of respondents are "not sure" whom to vote for in each general-election match-up. At least 5% would prefer another candidate.

Crosstabs and poll results for the Ohio Senate are available for Premium Members. See results for the previous Ohio Governor Election Poll.

Overall, Strickland is viewed favorably by 54% of respondents (versus Blackwell's 49%, Petro's 48%, Montgomery's 45%). More respondents have a "very favorable" impression of Blackwell (21%) than of any other candidate (versus 17% of Strickland, 13% Petro, 15% Montgomery).

As an opponent of Strickland, Blackwell enjoys not only a slight general edge over Petro, but also a distinct advantage among evangelical Christians (61% versus Petro's 53% and Montgomery's 43%) and among Bush supporters (winning over 78% of those who strongly approve of Bush and 64% of those who somewhat approve). Blackwell also does better among conservatives.

Blackwell may have shored up support from some Christian conservatives with his trip to Washington last Thursday to speak before the Coalition of African American Pastors on behalf of the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Samuel Alito.

Visit our Election Polls page to see a summary of our latest state-by state polling. Rasmussen Reports is polling every Senate and Governors' race at least once a month this year.

Crosstabs and poll results for the Ohio Senate are available for Premium Members. See results for the previous Ohio Governor Election Poll.