Poll: Palin helps boost McCain

HAMDEN, Conn., Sept. 11 (UPI) -- Republican presidential nominee John McCain has gained support in Florida and Pennsylvania, a poll indicates.

The Quinnipiac University Swing State polls found that McCain leads Democrat Barack Obama 50 percent to 43 percent in Florida, compared to 47 percent to 43 percent Aug. 26. In Pennsylvania, Obama has lost 1 percentage point since late last month. He still leads in the Keystone State 48 percent to 45 percent.

In Ohio, Obama has gained 5 percentage points, reaching 49 percent support there compared to McCain's 44 percent.

The three state polls also found that voters in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Florida say Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was a good vice presidential pick for McCain.

Since August 26, McCain's support among white women has increased 4 percentage points in Ohio and 5 points in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, he has lost 2 points in Florida.

"Obviously Governor Sarah Palin is having the impact that Senator McCain hoped when he selected her," said Peter Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

From Sept. 5-9, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,032 Florida likely voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points; 1,367 Ohio likely voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points; and 1,001 Pennsylvania likely voters with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.