Sen. Bob Casey has a solid lead over challenger Tom Smith, according to a poll published today by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The survey was conducted by the Republican firm National Research Inc. and the Democratic firm Global Strategy Group.

Among those who said they were sure who they’re voting for, Casey lead by a slightly narrower margin: 44 to 30 percent. However, 9 percent of likely voters are leaning Casey’s way compared to just 4 percent who are leaning toward Smith.

From the Inky:

[Jeffrey] Plaut, the Democratic pollster, said a whopping 80 percent of the voters surveyed reported being familiar with the senator, compared with Smith’s 31 percent. A solid chunk of voters like Casey, too. He received a 50 percent favorability rating to Smith’s 19 percent.

“I think Casey is a case unto himself,” said Plaut. “He exists beyond traditional or typical notions of party, and has a 19-point lead in a race that does not appear to be a target for the national committees. So, absent a seismic change in the environment, Casey looks to be strong.”

The pollster surveyed 601 likely voters via live calls from August 21 through 23. The margin of error is +/1 4 percent.