This, unfortunately, comes at a good time for Ohio Gov. John Kasich.
Public Policy Polling (PDF) (8/11-14, Ohio voters, 5/19-22 (PDF) in parens):
Q: This fall, Ohio will have a referendum on whether to approve or reject Senate Bill 5, which was passed earlier this year and limits collective bargaining rights for public employees. If the election was today, would you vote to approve or reject Senate Bill 5?
Approve SB5: 39% (35%)
Reject SB5 50% (55%)
Repeal of SB 5 continues to hold a substantial lead, but things have tightened up a bit, just as Kasich is floating compromise in an attempt to look like a reasonable guy. Kasich's own approval ratings have also improved somewhat: He's now at 36/53, up from 33/56 in May.
Tom Jensen writes:
The odds are still stacked against SB 5 staying enacted but just like we saw in the Wisconsin recalls the anger is not there at the same level it was during the spring, which has to be a slight cause of concern for those working to reject it.
The repeal campaign has to this point shown stellar organization and Ohioans are still opposed to SB 5. But as this poll shows, nothing can be taken for granted, especially with Kasich trying to play reasonable. We Are Ohio made a good move yesterday in making clear that they'd be open to discussions once SB 5 is repealed and no longer clouding the picture; that makes it harder for Kasich to say they're unwilling to compromise.