A new poll released on Monday by state Sen. Kirk Schuring’s (R) campaign showed him leading state Sen. John Boccieri (D) by 6 points in the race to replace retiring Rep. Ralph Regula (R).

The Tarrance Group poll, paid for by Schuring’s campaign, showed Schuring leading Boccieri 40 percent to 34 percent, with 26 percent of respondents undecided. The survey of 400 registered likely voters was taken July 8-9 and had a 4.9-point margin of error.

“I’m very pleased to see our campaign’s strength in the 16th Congressional District,” Schuring said. “The people of this district know that Washington is broken and that’s why our common sense conservative message is beginning to resonate throughout this district.”

The 16th district is one of the most competitive seats in Ohio this cycle, with Regula stepping down after 18 terms in the House. The district voted for President Bush with 54 percent in 2004, but Democrats believe that Ohio is becoming a more Democratic state and that Boccieri can take the seat in November.

“Clearly this poll was taken before voters found out that Schuring raised their gas taxes,” Boccieri campaign manager Ian Walton said. “John Boccieri opposed that tax hike and supports immediate drilling in the United States.”