A new poll shows that conservative Josh Mandel has closed the gap as he challenges incumbent Sherrod Brown (D), "the most liberal senator," for his Ohio seat.
Republican Josh Mandel has already proven he can win statewide office, having been elected Ohio's Treasurer.
Now the Marine veteran is closing the gap on Brown, who is considered one of the most liberal lawmakers. The National Journal recently reported that he voted with Obama 95 percent of the time.
Phil Burress, chairman of Citizens for Community Values (CCV), says Brown is far too liberal for Ohio.
"I don't think that sets well with people," he suggests. "Ohio is typically a moderate state; some call it center-right. And to have a senator who is the most liberal senator -- this is not Delaware or Massachusetts; this is Ohio."
Burress believes voters in The Buckeye State are looking for an alternative to Brown's tax-and-spend big government approach. Several polls now show the race in a dead heat.
"For Mandel to be too close to call and basically pulling even (including the margin of error) with Sherrod Brown speaks loudly," the CCV chairman observes. "[With] the economy here in Ohio, we're around 20 percent unemployment when you count those who have stopped looking for work."
Burress concludes it will all come down to voter turnout.