Polls commissioned by Survey USA and Roll Call show Democratic U.S. House candidates Mary Jo Kilroy and John Boccieri leading in their efforts to capture GOP U.S. House seats.

Franklin Co. Commissioner Kilroy (D-Columbus) leads state Sen. Steve Stivers (R-Columbus) 47 to 42 percent. Independent Don Eckhart recieves 5 percent and libertarian Mark Noble recieves 3 percent. State Sen. John Boccieri (D-Alliance) leads state Sen. Kirk Schuring (R-Jackson Twp.) by 49 to 41 percent.

In both races the Republican incumbents are well-liked, but that favorability isn't translating to support for their successors.

U.S. Rep. Deb Pyrce (R-Columbus) is viewed favorably by 47 percent of those likely voters, but 34 percent of those said they plan to vote for Kilroy. Similarly, U.S. Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Navarre) is viewed favorably by 47 percent but about a third plan to vote for Boccieri.

Republican representatives from southwest Ohio are faring better than their compatriots.

U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Westwood) is statistically tied with state Sen. Steve Driehaus (D-Price Hill), 46 to 44 percent. U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) leads Dr. Victoria Wulsin (D-Indian Hill) 48 to 40 percent. However, Schmidt is running 10 points behind John McCain in the district.

The polls were conducted Sept. 19 - 20 among likely voters. They have a margin of error of about 4 percent.