I just received this little piece of good news in my email from the Ohio Democratic Party:

Cincinnati, Ohio – A poll released today shows Rep. Jean Schmidt tied with Dr. Victoria Wulsin, her Democratic challenger, in their race for Congress. A mere 33% of likely voters in Ohio’s 2nd District approve of Schmidt’s job performance and 53% disapprove. Wulsin is tied with Schmidt in their head-to-head match up and poised for a major victory on November 7.

The poll, conducted this past weekend by the Washington, D.C. firm Momentum Analysis, dispels any doubt about the competitiveness of the race. When asked whom they would vote for if the November 2006 elections were held today, 44% of respondents said they would vote for Wulsin, 44% would vote for Schmidt, and 11% were undecided. Despite the Republican voter registration advantage in the district, Schmidt’s extremely low job approval ratings and personal approval ratings severely decrease her chances at re-election.

Although Republicans across the country are suffering low approval ratings, Schmidt’s numbers are particularly bad – she is less popular even than President Bush, who has become a liability for Congressional Republicans seeking reelection. In Ohio’s 2nd District, 41% of voters approve of Bush’s job performance and 58% disapprove. Schmidt’s 33%-53% approval-disapproval numbers are among the single worst among incumbent candidates across the country.

Congresswoman Schmidt gained infamy last year when she stood on the floor of the U.S. House and attacked Congressman John Murtha – a 74-year old Marine who earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star in Korea and Vietnam – calling him a coward. The episode was only 75 days into her tenure in Congress. During her first floor speech, Schmidt pledged “to walk in the shoes of my colleagues and refrain from name-calling or the questioning of character.”

The new poll shows that voters are eager to replace Schmidt. When asked, 30% of respondents say they will vote to re-elect Schmidt and 34% say they will vote for somebody else; 19% “will consider” somebody else and 18% do not know. Forty-three percent of the district hopes to see the Republican Party in control of Congress next year, and 42% prefers the Democratic Party.

Wulsin leads Schmidt among Independent voters 52% to 36%, the demographic expected to determine the outcome of this race. Wulsin also leads Schmidt in Hamilton County, the most populous in the district, 50% to 37%. Local analysts believe that Hamilton County will be the key to winning the Congressional seat.

This is great news and poising to be a much needed pick up for the Democrats as a whole. Schmidt’s vile attacks against veterans, as well as her continued lies, makes her one of the most deserving of defeat this fall. I say this not only as a blogger, but as someone who grew up in the district she represents.