Washington Bureau

Obama Leading in Rural Areas?

Obama Winning in Rural Areas

Barack Obama has a slim lead over John McCain in rural areas of swing states, according to a new poll released today by the Center for Rural Strategies.

The poll showed Obama leading 46-45 among the likely voters. It’s his first lead among the rural group in three similar polls taken. The poll had a margin of error of 3.4.

A month ago he trailed McCain by 10 points. In May Obama trailed by 9 points.

In the October poll, rural voters gave Obama the edge on the economy and taxes, but favored McCain on the war in Iraq.

On overall favorability ratings, respondents scored McCain the highest, but on average found Obama and Joe Biden both more favorable than Sarah Palin.

Full details of the poll, conducted the first three weeks of October in 13 swing states, including Virginia and Florida, are available here.

Obama’s campaign pointed to success in Iowa and South Carolina in the primaries as evidence Obama has grown support in small towns since launching his candidacy.

“It’s reflective of a campaign that has fought hard for every single vote and has built a grass roots organization in communities large and small,” said Kevin Griffis, a Virginia Obama campaign spokesman.

McCain’s campaign said their ticket enjoys “very strong support” among rural Virginians.

“Rural voters support John McCain because of his strong support of 2nd amendment rights,” said McCain spokeswoman Gail Gitcho, “cutting the death tax and his pro-growth economic policies to help grow family businesses.”

--Neil H. Simon
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