Ohio Republican Jean Schmidt never has an easy race, but she looks in better shape this year than in her previous two bids for her suburban Cincinnati district. A Research 2000 poll, conducted for DailyKos, surveyed 400 likely voters between 9/30 and 10/1 for a margin of error of +/- 4.9%. Schmidt and 2006 Democratic nominee Vic Wulsin were tested among a sample of 43% Republicans, 31% Democrats and 26% independents and others.

General Election Matchup
(All / Dem / GOP / Ind / Men / Wom)
Schmidt.....46 / 6 / 77 / 44 / 50 / 42
Wulsin......39 / 82 / 5 / 42 / 37 / 41

McCain......52 / 11 / 83 / 51 / 55 / 49
Obama.......41 / 85 / 7 / 43 / 40 / 42

Schmidt's strength among Republicans may mean those in her district are at peace with her after a rocky few first terms. If they are, Schmidt should consolidate her grip on the seat and fall off Democratic target lists. But the presidential numbers should give Ohio Obama fans hope; McCain's 11-point margin is significantly off President Bush's 28-point margin in 2004.