Our latest survey of the race for Ohio governor shows the likely Democratic nominee, Congressman Ted Strickland, maintaining hefty and growing leads over two potential Republican opponents.

Strickland leads Republican frontrunner Ken Blackwell, 52% to 35%. In March he led Secretary of State Blackwell 50% to 40%. Strickland now leads Republican Attorney General Jim Petro 51% to 31%. Last month his lead was 47% to 34%.

The state's Senate race is much more competitive (see crosstabs for both Senate and Governor).

Whether matched against Blackwell or Petro, Strickland is currently able to attract 25% support from GOP voters.

So far this year, our polling has shown no major hiccups for Strickland. In January, he was ahead of Blackwell and Petro by four and five points. Since then, Strickland has steadily gained ground since then against both potential competitors.

In Ohio Republicans have occupied the governor's mansion for the past 16 years. But the unpopular current resident, Republican Governor Bob Taft, is caught up in scandal (of which voters will be reminded in August when a friend of Taft's goes on trial). Plus, the state's economy has been floundering from the loss of manufacturing jobs.

Taft is technically prevented by term limits from pursuing reelection. However, even without that restriction, his abysmal Job Approval rating would have created a job opening for the November election.

Strickland is viewed favorably by 54% of the electorate and unfavorably by 26%. Blackwell is viewed favorably by 40%, unfavorably by 46%. Petro is viewed favorably by 38%, unfavorably by 44%.

Sixty-four percent (64%) of likely voters in Ohio say tax increases hurt the economy. Fifty-three percent (53%) say tax cuts help the economy.

Forty-four percent (44%) say they file electronically, as opposed to 49% who still snail-mail their returns. A plurality of 47% agree that tax paperwork is worse than going to the dentist.

Ohio views on immigration were summarized in our report on the state's Senate race.

The rolling average of the last three Rasmussen Reports polls shows Strickland leading Blackwell 50% to 37%. In our last three Strickland-Petro polls, the Democrat leads 47% to 34%.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members.