Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat, can expect a tough 2010 challenge from Republican John Kasich, according to a Rasmussen Reports survey conducted Sept. 23.

The poll of 500 likely voters gives Kasich, a former House member (1983-2001) from central Ohio, 46 percent of the vote and Strickland 45 percent, making this likely November 2010 pairing a dead heat. The margin of error is plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.

Strickland and President Obama have nearly identically mediocre approval ratings, with 50 percent of voters saying they somewhat disapprove or strongly disapprove of their job performances.