Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's (D) "solid" 56%/30% approval-disapproval rating is down from last month (63%/25%), as is support for his budget proposals, a new Quinnipiac survey finds (March 10-15, 1299 RV, MoE +/- 2.7%).

Strickland still holds double-digit leads over two potential GOP challengers, former congressman and FOX News host John Kasich and former Sen. Mike DeWine, though his lead over both slipped from last month. In a GOP primary, DeWine leads Kasich 32%-27%, with 37% undecided.

Strickland 51 (-5 vs. last poll, Feb. 5)
Kasich 31 (+5)
Und 12

Strickland 50 (-4 vs. last poll, Feb. 5)
DeWine 34 (+2)
Und 15

Strickland's net 38% positive approval rating dropped to a net 26% in about six weeks, and he now has a negative net rating for handling the economy, by a 45%-39% margin. He had a positive rating on the economy last month, with 44% approving to 37% disapproving.

"The numbers themselves are not something that the Governor needs to worry about, but the trend, if it were to continue, could create a political problem for him," said Peter A. Brown, assistant polling director at Quinnipiac. "These numbers are the first indication that Ohio voters are beginning to blame Gov. Strickland for the bad economy."