Ohio Senate poll: Dems like Acton
COLUMBUS – As Ohio's Senate field shakes out, a new poll shows Democrats like former Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton and how Ohio handled the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Public Policy Polling survey of likely Democratic voters, commissioned by the pro-acton 314 Action Fund, found 64% had a favorable opinion of Acton, who led Republican Gov. Mike Dewine's early COVID-19 response. Another 5% had an unfavorable opinion of Acton and 31% had no opinion.
Acton rose to state and national prominence during the first month of Ohio's COVID-19 response. Acton's signature was on health orders closing schools, polling locations and local businesses, earning her the ire of conservatives frustrated with Ohio's restrictions.
But Democrats, in general, had a positive view of how Ohio has tackled COVID-19. About 79% approved of how Ohio handled the pandemic and 86% approved of scientists and public health officials, according to the poll.
“This poll only proves what we instinctually thought: Voters are looking for something different,” said Josh Morrow, executive director of 314 Action Fund, which wants to recruit Acton to run for Ohio Senate.
The 314 Action group supports candidates with a background in science, technology, engineering or math through a PAC and a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, often referred to as “dark money” because it doesn't have to disclose its donors. The nonprofit does voluntarily disclose all donors over $250.
314 Action backed Arizona's Mark
Kelly and Colorado's John Hickenlooper.
Acton's actions as health director were more popular with Democrats, who will be voting in a primary, than Republicans, who will help decide the November 2022 winner. But Morrow said the number of Ohioans who disagree with Acton's health orders wouldn't swing a Senate election.
“I think that moderate Republicans do believe that masks save lives,” Morrow said.
The pollster also took a look at likely Senate candidate Tim Ryan, a Niles congressman and former presidential candidate. Of those polled, 48% had a favorable opinion of Ryan, another 13% had an unfavorable opinion and 39% had no opinion.
On Tuesday, gun control activist Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter died in the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, backed Ryan's likely Senate bid.
It's difficult to predict the outcome of a Democratic primary that won't happen for another 14 months and that other candidates might enter, but the poll offers a glimpse into the viability of the Democratic field.
In a head-to-head race, Acton received 37% of the vote and Ryan got 32%, which was within the margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. Another 31% weren't sure.
The poll also asked Democrats about President Joe Biden (86% approved of his job performance), Sen. Sherrod Brown (76% had a favorable view) and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (62% had a favorable view.)
Public Policy Polling is a Democratic polling firm. The poll of 787 likely Democratic primary voters was conducted between March 15 and March 16.