"These findings are based on the most recent Ohio Poll conducted by the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Cincinnati between April 16 and April 27, 2009. A random sample of 818 adults from throughout the state was interviewed by telephone. In 95 of 100 cases, the statewide estimates will be accurate to plus or minus 3.4 percent."

"Now I am going to read a list of proposals that are being discussed nationally, in other states and in Ohio. Please tell me if you would favor or oppose each of the following . . ."

"Abolishing the use of the death penalty in Ohio"

18% strongly favor
9% favor somewhat
19% oppose somewhat
51% strongly oppose
3% duh

That's a whopping 70% overall opposition, over 2.5 times the 27% total support, with very few people having no position. Very few controversial issues have such high and consistent public support as the death penalty.

This is only a one-state poll, but the state in question is very close to the American political center of gravity. In the 2008 presidential election, for example, the vote was 53-46 nationally and 52-47 in Ohio.

Previous posts include this one from last November on a nationwide poll and this one from 2007 discussing the various ways of wording the question. The anti side gets close to parity when, and only when, the wording of the question is slanted to the max in their favor.