Democrats Set to Sweep Ohio

Although we’re miles from Election Day, a new Dispatch Poll shows that a near-sweep of statewide races appears within the grasp of Ohio Democrats.

Led by gubernatorial candidate Ted Strickland’s commanding 19-point lead at the top of the ticket, Democrats are up by at least 8 points in the contests for auditor, secretary of state and treasurer.

Strickland’s continued dominance — he led by 20 points two months ago in the first Dispatch Poll for the general election — could shift the spotlight in Ohio to the battle for U.S. Senate.

Right now, Democratic challenger Sherrod Brown clings to a 5-point lead over incumbent Sen. Mike De-Wine in one of the nation’s mostwatched matchups.

The campaign of GOP gubernatorial candidate J. Kenneth Blackwell discounted the poll results because the first name of his running mate was mistakenly listed on the poll ballots as Charles Raga; it is Tom Raga.