Obama's economic policy a plus, poll says

PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. voters say they're more likely to vote for Democratic candidate Barack Obama because of his economic and tax plans, results of a Gallup Poll indicate.

Forty-three percent of voters polled said the Democrat's plans for the economy and taxes make them more likely to vote for him, compared with 30 percent who said the same of Republican nominee John McCain, the Gallup Poll released Wednesday indicated.

In its latest poll, the Princeton, N.J., polling agency asked registered voters whether each of eight factors -- such as candidates' policy positions and background -- made them more or less likely to vote for Obama or McCain, or made no difference.

The poll suggests that, overall, Sen. Joe Biden of Delaware helps the Democratic ticket more than Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin does the Republican ticket. Thirty-seven percent of voters say the choice of Biden makes them more likely to vote for the Democratic candidate, with 19 percent saying the choice made them less likely. Voters, 41 percent to 33 percent, say Palin makes them less likely to vote for the Republicans.

Results are based on telephone interviews Friday-Sunday with 926 registered voters. The margin of error is 4 percentage points.