Another issue to run on...

Somehow, the GOP has found yet another politically beneficial issue to run on.

The Bush Tax Cuts.

Or, at least that's what it says in a new poll conducted by Resurgent Republic.

To begin, the poll was taken in the dozen states with 2010 U.S. Senate races designated as "toss ups" by the Cook Political Report, including Ohio. They surveyed 1000 likely voters.

The topline results were consistent with what most major pollsters have found.

• The generic congressional ballot sits at 39-36, in favor of Republicans.
• Approval to disapproval of President Obama comes in at 47-50.
• And only about 28% approve of the direction the country is going.

Now here come the two key tax questions.

First, they ask whether voters are aware of the income tax hike due to come into effect on January 1st. Only 54% are aware. The breakdown by Party is particularly interesting. 70% of GOP voters were aware, compared to only 57% of Independents and 38%(!) of Democrats. Way to stay aware of current events, Dems.

Second, after informing the voters of the tax increases due to be reinstated, they ask, "if the Democrats who control Congress do not act to stop or delay these scheduled tax increases before the election, would that make you more likely or less likely to vote for Democratic candidates for House and Senate?"

Overall, only 21% were more likely to vote for a Democrat if they do nothing to stop the tax hike. By Party, that came down to only 9% of Republicans, 18% of Independents, and 36% of Democrats. In fact, a full 57% of Independents and 31% of Democrats said they would be less likely to vote for a Democrat if the tax hikes weren't stopped.

In other words, this is a winning issue across the board.

My next question is this - with Gov. Strickland finding no problem inserting himself into other issues of federal concern, such as the stimulus and health care debates, where does he stand on this issue?

He's made the point that he's against any tax hikes during a recession (despite the massive tax hike this past year), so does that mean he's against this one?

I'd like to know.

UPDATE: Newt on taxes and their effect on the economy next year.