Polls show Obama increases gains in key states

Source: Xinhua | 10-08-2008 08:18

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama increased gains in five key battleground states, showed poll result released here Tuesday.

U.S. Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) speaks during a campaign rally in  Asheville, North Carolina, October 5, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

The CNN-Time magazine survey in Indiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio and Wisconsin reflected a significant nationwide shift toward the democratic presidential nominee.

Obama has made significant strides in the state of New Hampshire, which was credited with reviving his Republican opponent John McCain's primary campaign in both 2000 and 2008.

Poll shows that 53 percent of New Hampshire voters are backing Obama, while 45 percent are supporting McCain.

Four years ago, the then Democratic presidential candidate JohnKerry narrowly carried New Hampshire, a one-time GOP stronghold.

In 2000, Republican presidential candidate George W. Bush squeezed out a slender win by just one percentage point.

In Indiana, 51 percent of voters say McCain is their choice for president, with 46 percent backing Obama.

Democrats have not carried Indiana since 1964.

U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain (L) and U.S. Democratic presidential candidate  Barack Obama meet as they walked onstage during the first U.S. presidential debate at the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi, September 26,  2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

In North Carolina, the two major party nominees are locked in a dead heat, with McCain and Obama each claiming the support of 49 percent of likely voters.

The last Democrat to carry North Carolina was Jimmy Carter in 1976.

The state's 15 electoral votes are considered crucial for any successful Republican presidential campaign.

McCain trails Obama in Ohio, with 50 percent of likely voters favor Obama and 47 percent support McCain.

No Republican has won the White House without carrying the state.

In Wisconsin, which hasn't voted Republican since 1984, Obama is holding a 51 percent to 46 percent lead among likely voters.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei