Poll: Obama gains, but Utahns still favor McCain

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New poll results show a shift in how Utahns will vote this election. But there's still a clear favorite in the presidential race: John McCain. That's not a big surprise in a red state like Utah. But what may be surprising are the gains Barack Obama has made in less than two months.

For every vote this election season, there's a reason behind it. Voter Bruce Huber said, "I think the Republican Party has the right answers. John McCain has the right answers going forward."

Another voter, Rhett Burkman, said he voted for Obama. "He's an intelligent individual and will speak well for the nation."

An exclusive Dan Jones poll for KSL Television and the Deseret News shows the majority of Utahns plan to vote for John McCain. He received 57 percent; Barack Obama 32 percent. But it shows a shift in Utah voters' minds. A poll in September had Obama with 24 percent and McCain with 62 percent.

This latest poll has 6 percent still unsure. Wes Graham said, "It's a toss up for us college students. We've been debating who to vote for."

Poll: Obama gains, but Utahns still favor McCain

Also, Utahns are split in their opinions of the outgoing president. Forty-nine percent approve of President Bush's job performance; 48 percent don't.

Those poll numbers also show the races for the U.S. House of Representatives don't appear close right now.

In Utah's 1st Congressional District, Rob Bishop leads challenger Morgan Bowen 60 percent to 27 percent. In the 2nd Congressional District, Jim Matheson leads challenger Bill Dew 65 percent to 26 percent. And in the 3rd District, Jason Chaffetz has 58 percent to Bennion Spencer's 24 percent and Jim Noorlander's 5 percent.

But how much of that is actually in support of a particular candidate and how much is simply in support of a party? When we asked people in downtown Salt Lake today who they'll vote into Congress, few even knew which district they're in.

Andrew Emmons said, "I vote with my party line, which is Republican because I trust the Republican Party to influence them the right way."

Rhett Burkman said, "I voted straight Democrat, because it seems like things haven't gone so well on the other ticket."

A big voter turnout is expected this election, and this poll reflects that. On a scale of 1 to 10, 90 percent of Utahns rank their interest in the races at an eight or higher.

Complete poll resultsPresident Bush Job Performance