A new poll released by Ohio state Sen. Kirk Schuring’s (R) campaign showed him leading state Sen. John Boccieri (D) by 6 points. Schuring and Boccieri are running for the seat currently held by retiring Rep. Ralph Regula (R).

The Tarrance Group poll, paid for by Schuring’s campaign, showed him 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 margin of error of 4.9 points.

“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 Congressional 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.