Few states disappointed Democrats more in 2006 than Ohio, where a number of targeted Republicans survived competitive House contests. This year, Democrats are back, in some cases with new challengers, in others with more money, and Republicans again find themselves a target. A new poll for one of those endangered members, though, shows Democrats still have a way to go.

The survey, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies on behalf of Rep. Steve Chabot, polled 400 likely voters between 6/30-7/2 for a margin of error of +/- 4.9%. Chabot, a Republican, and State Rep. Steve Driehaus, the Democrat, were tested.

General Election Matchup
Chabot...........50
Driehaus........37

Obama...........46
McCain...........39

After winning by just a 52%-48% margin in 2006, Chabot's pollster writes in the publicly-released memo, the Republican leads by a wider margin now than he did two years ago. Too, Chabot's favorable image is strong at a time when most incumbents are worried about their own popularity. 63% of poll respondents said they viewed Chabot favorably, while just 23% view him unfavorably.

Chabot's First Congressional District, based in Cincinnati, has only a narrow advantage for Republicans. President Bush won the district with 51% in both his races, with John Kerry taking 49% and Al Gore taking 46%. That Obama is leading in the district is a hopeful sign for Driehaus, but the Democrat still has work to do.

National Democrats will help out, having reserved $928,000 in television time in the district. Chabot has a significant cash advantage for the moment, but watch for Democrats steer significant resources toward Driehaus's race.