Poll: McCain loses lead in rural American voters

Source: Xinhua | 10-24-2008 07:53

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- Republican presidential candidate John McCain lost his lead in rural American voters as more of them favored his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, in handling the country's economic crisis, said a poll released on Thursday.

U.S. Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and his wife Cindy wave to supporters at a campaign stop at All Star Building Materials in Ormond Beach, Florida October 23, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

According to the survey conducted by the Center for Rural Strategies, Obama slightly led McCain by 46 percent to 45 percent among the 841 likely rural voters in 13 battleground states including New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Ohio.

About 49 percent of rural voters favored Obama on key issue of the economy, while 40 percent supported McCain in this regard.

The result was in strong contrast with a poll released a month ago, showing McCain led by 51 percent to 41 percent among rural voters.