http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/3/26/170104.shtml?s=po"A new Columbus Dispatch poll shows that Ohio's secretary of state, credited with helping President Bush carry Ohio in 2004, has a commanding 11-point lead in his state's GOP gubernatorial primary race, and even leads by 12 points in his opponent's former stronghold.
According to the Columbus Dispatch poll, however, while Blackwell's opponent, Attorney General Jim Petro, is far behind, nearly a third of Republican voters remain in the undecided column. Theoretically, Petro could still win, but he would have to win two out of every three of those undecided voters just to draw even with Blackwell -- and do it in a mere five weeks, the Dispatch observes.
The poll showed that Blackwell leads in most regions of Ohio, including almost a 3-to-1 margin in Cincinnati, his home area. Petro leads by 5 points in the Columbus media market and is in a virtual tie in northwest Ohio. The Dispatch reports that one key to Blackwell’s double-digit lead is his 12-point advantage in the Cleveland area, Petro’s former turf that is home to more than a third of the registered Republicans in the state. "
Not much of a surprise. Blackwell's strength in urban areas will be interesting to gauge, especially since his Democratic opponent will be from rural downstate.
