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.

The race for Governor in Ohio is not as competitive at this time. Democrat Ted Strickland has a double digit lead over Republicans competing with him to replace the amazingly unpopular incumbent, Robert Taft.

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.

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.

Forty-seven percent (47%) of all voters think it's too easy to get an abortion, and 57% believe abortion is morally wrong. Forty-one percent (41%) support the sort of sweeping abortion ban recently passed in South Dakota, under which abortion would be legal only when the life of the mother is at risk; 47% oppose it.

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.

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