Obama support surges in Florida

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has gained ground in the battleground state of Florida, political analysts say.

The New York Times reported Friday that in Florida, which leads the other states in home foreclosures, support for Obama has risen amid voter frustration with a souring economy.

The newspaper said the four most recent polls from late September indicate Obama is ahead of Republican nominee John McCain by 3 percent to 8 percent. McCain had led in the state by as much as 10percent.

Both campaigns are trying to get their respective supporters registered to vote.

"The battle in Florida comes down to one word," said Susan MacManus, a political scientist at the University of South Florida who served on the Florida Elections Commission. "And that's turnout."