Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's (D) re-election hopes are growing dimmer if the new Rasmussen poll (500 LVs, 12/7, MoE +/- 4.5%) is any indication. The incumbent, who looked safe only a year ago, now trails Republican challenger John Kasich by 9 points in the battleground state.

General Election Matchup
Kasich 48
Strickland 38
Und 11

Job Approval
Obama 46 / 53
Strickland 48 / 50

Kasich's lead was just 46-45 in the previous Rasmussen survey in September. Kasich leads by 2.7 in the RCP Average of Ohio, a reflection of how the tide has seemingly turned in a short time. Rasmussen's take:

Unemployment in Ohio has jumped to 10.5%, the state is wrestling with an $851 million budget shortfall, and Governor Ted Strickland has proposed delaying a tax cut approved in 2005. Add it all together, and it's a tough environment for the incumbent Democratic governor.

--------------------------------------------
Follow the RCP Blog on Twitter.
Become a fan of RCP on Facebook.
--------------------------------------------