The field is wide open in the Ohio Senate race, according to recent survey results from Quinnipiac University. But it appears the Democratic candidates have the edge in the contest to succeed retiring Sen. George Voinovich (R), according to the preliminary poll results.

Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher (D) was ahead of former Rep. Rob Portman (R) in a hypothetical matchup, 41 percent to 33 percent, with 24 percent undecided. Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner (D) also was ahead of Portman in the poll, 39 percent to 34 percent, with 25 percent undecided.

Fisher, Brunner and state Rep. Tyrone Yates are the only announced Democrats in the race, although several others, including Rep. Zack Space (D), are considering a bid. The Democratic field was wide open in the poll, with Fisher barely ahead of Brunner, 18 percent to 14 percent, Yates at 6 percent and 46 percent of respondents saying they were undecided. Rep. Tim Ryan (D) scored 12 percent in the hypothetical matchup but has already endorsed Fisher’s candidacy.

In the GOP primary, Portman was ahead of state Auditor Mary Taylor, who is also considering a bid, 31 percent to 14 percent.

Fisher was the best known in the field with a 32 percent favorable rating and a 13 percent unfavorable rating, although 52 percent of survey respondents said they had never heard of the state’s second-ranking office holder. Brunner was similarly known across the state, with a 31 percent favorable rating and a 14 percent unfavorable rating and 55 percent of survey respondents saying they did not know the Democrat.

Portman had a 25 percent statewide favorable rating and a 7 percent unfavorable rating, with 67 percent of Buckeye voters saying they did not know him.

The poll for the general election matchups, taken March 10-15, surveyed 1,299 Ohio voters and had a margin of error of 3 points.