By Bob Turner

(AXcess News) Washington - Republican Ron Portman has a clear five-point lead over Democratic opponent, Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher, in the Ohio Senate race according to the latest Rasmussen poll.

Two weeks ago, Fisher had 37% of Ohio voters' faith in his Senate bid while Portman had 45%, though now Portman is marginally lower at 44% to Fisher's 39%, though the Republican candidate is still holding a solid position over his Democratic opponent.

In every survey conducted this year, Portman's support has stayed in the very narrow range of 42% to 45% of the vote.  Fisher's support has ranged from 37% to 43% in that same period.

When leaners are included in the new totals, Portman still leads. With the leaners, 47% will vote for Portman and 41% for Fisher.

This is now the second Rasmussen Reports Election 2010 survey in Ohio to include leaners. Two weeks ago, Portman led Fisher 48% to 39% when leaners were included. Leaners are those who initially indicate no preference for either of the candidates but answer a follow-up question and say they are leaning towards a particular candidate.

Early in any campaign, the numbers without leaners are generally more significant. Later in a campaign, the numbers with leaners matter more. After Labor Day, Rasmussen Reports will report the numbers with leaners as the primary indicators of the campaign.

Sixty-three percent (63%) of Portman’s voters now say they are certain of how they will vote, up four points over the past two weeks. Nearly the same number of Fisher's supporters (62%) say they are certain of their vote, down slightly from the previous survey.

The Senate race in Ohio has moved from a Republican advantage to what Rasmussen calls a "toss up".  Yet in Virginia, Democrats have lost ground from a solid lead to more of a "toss up" amongst voters.  While in Florida's Senate race, voters are shifting towards the GOP.