John McCain and Sarah Palin now lead Barack Obama - Joe Biden by seven points in the critical battleground state of Ohio. A new Rasmussen/Fox News Poll shows McCain leading 51%-44%:

The latest Fox News/Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in Ohio, finds John McCain out in front of Barack Obama 51% to 44%.

The latest numbers, which are the first to be released since the conclusion of both parties’ conventions, mark an improvement for the Republican nominee. In August, McCain had a slightly more modest advantage over the Democrat. In fact, the GOP hopeful has held a modest lead since July in the swing state that finally decided the 2004 election.

McCain is viewed favorably by 63% of Ohio voters and unfavorably by 35%. Obama’s ratings are 50% favorable, 48% unfavorable.

Take note of the disparity between the two candidates in the favorable ratings. McCain viewed favorable by a +28% margin; Obama viewed favorable by a 2% margin. After this many months on the campaign trail, it will be hard for Obama to lift his favorable rating significantly over the next 56 days.