Boosted by strong performance among women, Democratic Sens. Bill Nelson (Fla.) and Sherrod Brown (Ohio) led their GOP challengers in two Quinnipiac University Polls released today.

In horserace matchups, Nelson led GOP frontrunner Rep. Connie Mack IV 44 percent to 36 percent while Brown led GOP nominee Josh Mandel, the state treasurer, 46 percent to 36 percent.

Nelson, seeking his third term representing the Sunshine State, will face the winner of a nasty primary between Mack and former Sen. George LeMieux (R). An earlier Quinnipiac University poll from January found the race between Nelson and Mack a dead heat. In this month’s poll, Nelson tied Mack among men, 41 percent to 41 percent, but led among women, 46 percent to 32 percent.

Among men, Brown was in a dead heat with Mandel, 43 percent to 42 percent. But among women, Brown led by a whopping 17 points, 48 percent to 31 percent.

Both live-telephone interview polls to land lines and cellphones were in the field March 20-26 and had a margin of error of 2.8 points. The Ohio poll surveyed 1,246 registered voters while the Florida poll surveyed 1,228 registered voters.

Roll Call rates both races Leans Democratic.