While Obama dominates among women, 52% to 31%, he now leads 47% to 41% among men in Maine. The Democrat also fares much better among single voters than married voters. McCain is viewed favorably by 53% and unfavorably by 44%. Obama�s ratings in Maine are 61% favorable, 36% unfavorable.
Most voters in Maine (87%) think finding new sources of energy is an urgent national need. That number is even higher than the national average. The overwhelming majority (80%) also believe reducing the amount of energy Americans now consume is an urgent national need. More voters in Maine (56%) think finding new sources of energy is more important than reducing consumption. Just over a third (35%) of voters say the opposite is more important.
Most voters in Maine (63%) agree with voters nationwide that most politicians will break rules to help those who contribute large amounts of money to their campaigns. Voters are split, however, on whether campaign contributions or media bias poses a bigger problem in elections today. While 46% say big campaign contributions are the bigger problem, 43% say that of media bias. Slightly more voters (44%) think John McCain is more influenced by contributions than Barack Obama (38%). Last month, Obama led by over twenty points in the first survey conducted since Hillary Clinton�s exit from the race. In May, the Democrat had a 51% to 38% lead. This pattern has been seen in many states where Obama enjoyed a bounce after clinching the nomination.
The biggest change this month is among unaffiliated voters. Among voters not affiliated with either candidate�s party, McCain and Obama are now essentially even. Last month, Obama had a 57% to 30% lead among those voters. Obama has support from 78% of Democrats in Maine, while McCain is backed by 72% of Republicans.
Though Obama�s lead has decreased among women, he still leads among this demographic by nineteen percentage points. Among men, the candidates are now even. Last month, the Democrat had a seven-point lead among men.
The economy is a top issue for voters nationwide. In Maine, 46% of voters think it is the most important electoral issue. Of those voters, 56% say they will vote for Obama while 26% will vote McCain. National security is the top issue for 26% of Maine voters. McCain has a 57% to 30% advantage among these voters.
McCain is viewed favorably by 56% and unfavorably by 41% of voters in Maine. Obama�s numbers are 58% favorable, 39% unfavorable. With residents facing tough economic times amid climbing heating fuel and gas prices, people questioned in the survey ranked those concerns near the top of the list � a first for the statewide survey.
Neither was listed as a concern during six previous Pan Atlantic surveys, dating back to February 2005, the report states.
"�High gas prices� is second overall," among the concerns of Mainers the report states, noting it topped the list for 15.8 percent of respondents. "This is the first time this issue has been cited to any significant degree by responders to the Pan Atlantic SMS Group Omnibus Poll."
Tax reform, at 13.3 percent, the cost of living (9.3 percent), health care (8 percent) and energy-related concerns (7 percent) rounded out the top five concerns Mainers listed.
Nearly half of Maine citizens polled (49.8 percent) reported that they plan to drive �a lot less� this summer due to gas prices, while 32.5 percent answered �somewhat less,� the report states. . . .
