Poll: Ohio anti-union bill headed for defeat

Voters in Ohio are poised to vote no on a referendum on Gov. John Kasich's (R) anti-union bill, according to a new poll.

Public Policy Polling (PPP) found that 59 percent of voters oppose SB 5, while just 36 percent plan to approve it during Tuesday's election.

"What might be most remarkable about the 23 point margin in this poll is that it's exactly identical to what we found the first time we polled on this issue all the way back in March," PPP's Tom Jensen noted. "Voters were furious then and that anger has continued all the way to November."

Democrats were prepared to vote against the bill 86-10, while Republicans are more divided on the issue. Only 30 percent said they will vote against it.

If approved, SB 5 would strip most collective bargaining rights from public employees in Ohio. Police officers, firefighters, teachers, and other state employees could still negotiate for some benefits, but not wages. Public employees would also be prohibited from striking.

Gov. Kasich's own approval numbers have tanked since he has signed the bill. He was elected by a 55-37 margin over former Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland, but now only 33 percent of voters approve of the job he's doing, making him one of the most disliked governors in the nation.

(H/T: Talking Points Memo)