Portman gains in Ohio Senate race

Former Rep. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) has closed the gap on a pair of Democrats in the latest Ohio Senate poll from Quinnipiac University.

Portman, who trailed Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner each by around 10 points in the May version of the poll, now trails Fisher 37-33 and Brunner 35-34.

The closing gap tracks closely with Quinnipiac’s measurement of Gov. Ted Strickland’s (D) reelection matchup with former Rep. John Kasich (R). Kasich trailed by 12 in May, but is now within one in the poll.

President Obama’s numbers in the state have declined as well, with less than half (49 percent) now viewing him favorably.

Fisher maintains a small, statistically insignificant lead over Brunner in the Democratic Senate primary, with a 24-21 edge.

The potentially bruising primary is of concern to Democrats, and the numbers bear that out. Both Fisher and Brunner have seen their favorability drop and their unfavorable numbers rise in recent months. Fisher has seen his favorability decline by eight points and his unfavorables rise seven points. Brunner has lost seven points of favorability and gained six in unfavorables.

Portman also faces primary opposition, with car dealer Tom Ganley trailing him, 33-10.

The Senate seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio).