Public Policy Polling (PDF). 10/13-16. Ohio voters. MoE ±4.1% (8/11-14 results):
Sherrod Brown (D-inc): 48 (48)
Josh Mandel (R): 40 (33)
Undecided: 12 (19)
Sherrod Brown (D-inc): 48 (47)
Kevin Coughlin (R): 37 (33)
Undecided: 15 (20)
If you're only going to look at the net difference between Sherrod Brown and Josh Mandel, then of course you're going to pull a "ZOMG! Lead cut in half!" That, however, would be the wrong way to look at this poll, and I know my fellow DKos Electioneers are much smarter than that. Fact is, Mandel was never going to march into election day and get 33%. That sort of topline was obviously an artifact of his low name recognition, and the fact that he's won over undecideds as he's become better-known is only to be expected.
The real news to me, rather, is that Brown is holding firm at 48%. Would he like to be at 50 or 52? Of course. But after a very tough summer for Democrats and Barack Obama in particular, I'm pleased that Brown hasn't faded. I'm sure he'll face a tough race, just given the nature of the state he represents and the economic backdrop he's running against, but I think he's in pretty good shape.