The poll released today had some good news/bad news for the President.
The bad news: his lead over Romney has slipped 4 points to +3 since PPP's last poll in May. The race now stands at Obama 47% Romney 44%. Obama's job-approval numbers have slipped as well, from a 48-48 split in May to a 44-51 deficit now.
The good news: voters have not warmed up to Romney, who remains wildly unpopular at 35% favorable and 54% unfavorable.
Also, when Ohio politicians are added in as potential VP candidates for the Republican ticket, Obama's numbers actually go up vis-a-vis Romney. Adding Senator Rob Portman to the ticket would lead to a 47-43 victory for Obama. Adding Governor John Kasich to the mix would be even worse, with Obama beating Romney 48-42.
It's obvious that the economy and, no doubt, millions in Koch-sponsored advertising are hurting Obama to some extent in the state. But the Republicans still remain toxic to many voters and the Dems on the ground in Ohio need to make sure sure it stays that way.