• By
  • Naftali Bendavid

The presidential polls have tightened since last week’s debate between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney, but in a couple of key Senate races the Democrat still retains a strong lead.

A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News/Marist Poll shows Sen. Sherrod Brown (D., Ohio) with a 52%-41% lead over Republican candidate Josh Mandel. Mr. Brown has held a consistent lead, and the new poll suggests it is not narrowing.

In Florida, another swing state, Democrat Sen. Bill Nelson is leading Republican Rep. Connie Mack 52%-39% in the poll, a small increase over his 52%-41% lead in a previous poll.

The one Senate race that the poll did show tightening was in Virginia. Democratic candidate Tim Kaine has a narrow 47%-46% edge, down from a five-point advantage in a previous survey.

Democrats currently hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate, so Republicans need to gain four seats to take control (three if Mr. Romney wins, since the vice president breaks ties in the Senate).

If Republicans were to take Democratic seats in Ohio, Florida or Virginia, it would mark a big step toward that goal.


Obama-Romney Race Tightens in WSJ/NBC/Marist Poll of Battlegrounds



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