May 3, 2010 - Fisher Has 20-Point Lead In Ohio Dem Senate Primary, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Many Still Undecided Or Might Change Mind

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Ohio Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher holds a 43 - 23 percent likely voter lead over Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner in Tuesday's Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. Another 32 percent are undecided and 44 percent of Democrats who name a candidate say they might change their minds.

This compares to a 41 - 24 percent Fisher lead in an April 28 survey by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University.

"Lt. Gov. Fisher started the campaign better known and raised more money to keep him better known and able to get out his message. On the eve of the primary, he is in very strong shape to win," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

"Ms. Brunner would need to hold all of those who say they are voting for her and win most of the undecided voters in order to prevail. Brunner voters are just as likely to change their minds as Fisher voters."

Likely primary voters view Fisher favorably 44 - 8 percent. Ms. Brunner gets a 26 - 7 percent favorability, but 65 percent still don't know enough about her to form an opinion.

From April 28 - May 2, Quinnipiac University surveyed 980 Ohio likely Democratic primary voters, with a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points. The sample was drawn from registered voter lists based on people who have voted in recent elections.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in Florida, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio and the nation as a public service and for research. For more data or RSS feed- http://www.quinnipiac.edu/polling.xml, call (203) 582-5201, or follow us on Twitter.

1. If the Democratic primary for United States Senator were being held today, would you vote for Lee Fisher or Jennifer Brunner? (If undecided q1) As of today, would you say that you lean a little more toward Fisher or Brunner? (This table includes "Leaners".) 
                     LIKELY DEM PRIMARY VOTERS
                     Tot    Men    Wom
Fisher               43%    49%    40%
Brunner              23     24     23
SMONE ELSE(VOL)       1      1      2
WLDN'T VOTE(VOL)      -      -      -
DK/NA                32     26     35
1a. (If express choice q1) Is your mind made up, or do you think you might change your mind before the primary? 
                     LIKELY DEM PRIMARY VOTERS
                     CAND CHOICE GIVEN Q1.
                            CAND CHOICE Q1
                     Tot    Fisher Brunner
Made up              53%    53%    52%
Might change         44     43     45
DK/NA                 3      3      3
2. Is your opinion of - Lee Fisher favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about him? 
                     LIKELY DEM PRIMARY VOTERS
                     Tot    Men    Wom
Favorable            44%    50%    40%
Unfavorable           8     13      5
Hvn't hrd enough     45     33     52
REFUSED               3      3      3
3. Is your opinion of - Jennifer Brunner favorable, unfavorable or haven't you heard enough about her? 
                     LIKELY DEM PRIMARY VOTERS
                     Tot    Men    Wom
Favorable            26%    30%    24%
Unfavorable           7      9      6
Hvn't hrd enough     65     59     68
REFUSED               2      2      2