Wednesday, October 01, 2008

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John McCain now leads Barack Obama 52% to 44% in Mississippi, according to a new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state. In August, McCain was ahead 54% to 41%.

But the race was even closer in May and June, when McCain led by six.

Mississippi has cast its six Electoral College votes for the Republican candidate in the last seven consecutive presidential elections. In 2004, President Bush easily won the state by a 59% to 40% margin.

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This month, McCain leads 55% to 34% among unaffiliated voters in Mississippi. Among men, McCain leads 58% to 37%. Women are evenly divided, favoring Obama by a 49% to 48% margin (see crosstabs).

McCain leads his opponent among white voters, 79% to 16%. Obama dominates among black voters, 98% to two percent (2%).

The GOP nominee is viewed favorably by 62% of voters and unfavorably by 35%. Obama’s ratings are 48% favorable, 51% unfavorable.

Rasmussen Markets data shows that McCain is given a % chance of carrying Mississippi in November. The state is classified as “Likely Republican” by the Rasmussen Reports Balance of Power Calculator. NOTE: Factors other than the latest Rasmussen Reports poll impact the Balance of Power ratings. The current status is indicated on the table in the upper right hand corner of this article.

McCain’s running mate, Sarah Palin, is viewed favorably by 64% of Mississippi voters, including 40% who view her very favorably. Just 33% have an unfavorable view of the Alaska governor. Joseph Biden, who is running with Obama, is viewed favorably by 41% and unfavorably by 52%. Thirty-five percent (35%) of voters have a very unfavorable view of the longtime Democratic senator.

The economy is the top issue on voter’s minds in Mississippi, and they trust McCain more to handle it by a 54% to 43% margin. Voters overall think creating economic growth is more important than reducing the gap between rich and poor, and most think McCain shares that view by a 67% to 11% margin. Voters have the opposite perception of Obama. Just 25% believe the Democrat candidate thinks economic growth should be the top priority, while 60% think he is more interested in bridging the income gap.

Just nine percent (9%) of Mississippi voters give the U.S. economy good or excellent ratings, while 54% give it a poor rating. Only six percent (6%) say the economy is getting better, and 83% say it's getting worse. Similar sentiments are shared nationwide in the Rasmussen Consumer Index.

Investors in Mississippi, who make up 53% of voters, favor McCain by a 66% to 37% margin.

President Bush earns good or excellent job approval ratings from 36% of voters in Mississippi, while 43% give him a poor rating.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.