Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) remains in good position for re-election with one year to go, according to a new poll conducted by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

Matched up against state Treasurer Josh Mandel, Brown’s presumed GOP opponent, Brown led 49 percent to 34 percent, with 14 percent undecided. That’s about where the two candidates have been since May in three previous polls, but both parties expect the race to tighten by next year.

This poll was taken of 1,668 registered voters Oct. 17-23 and carried a 2.4-point margin of error.

President Barack Obama’s success in the state, where he has a 43 percent approval rating, will also likely play a role. He led all of the potential GOP nominees in head-to-head matchups, and while 49 percent said he does not deserve re-election, 44 percent said he does and 7 percent were undecided.

Former state Sen. Kevin Coughlin (R) ended his bid for Senate, clearing the field for Mandel.