Oct 7, 2008 5:08 pm US/Eastern
Survey USA Poll: Obama Leads McCain In Pa.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
When the Wall Street crisis turned everyone's attention to the economy, Barack Obama doubled his lead over John McCain in Pennsylvania, according to the KDKA-TV/Survey USA Newspoll.
On September 25, Obama led McCain by six points statewide, 51 percent to 44 percent.
Now Obama's lead is fifteen points, 55 percent to 40 percent.
But that lead disappears in southwestern Pennsylvania where both candidates last campaigned here in late August.
Two weeks ago, Obama led McCain by seven points in this region, 51 to 44 percent. Now his lead here is just three points, 51 to 48 percent.
McCain's strongest supporters are conservatives, pro-life supporters, gun-owners, and those who live in the Harrisburg-York-Lancaster area.
Obama's strongest supporters are moderates and liberals, voters under age 35, African Americans, and voters in Philadelphia and its suburbs.
That corner of the state is giving Obama his biggest boost.
Two weeks ago, he led in southeastern Pa. 59 to 36 percent.
Now he beats McCain over there, 65 to 31, a whopping 34 point lead.
Obama is also building strength among women voters.
Two weeks ago, Obama led McCain by a narrow 49 to 44 percent among women.
Today, he's ahead by nineteen points, 57 to 38 percent.
And senior citizens seem to be moving to Obama, too.
Two weeks ago, seniors (65 and older) backed McCain 48 to 44 percent.
But now Obama is in the lead by eight points, 51 to 43 percent.
Since nearly one-quarter of Pennsylvania's voters are over 65, it's a key group both candidates need for victory.
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