Question:
Based on his strength among Independents, Senator John McCain continues to enjoy a double-digit lead over Barack Obama in Tennessee. McCain leads Obama by 51 to 36 percent, compared to 53 to 36 percent last March. John McCain's favorable to unfavorable rating today in Tennessee is 59 to 33 percent, compared to 59 to 34 percent last March. (George W. Bush's rating in the state is 48 percent favorable and 48 percent unfavorable.) Barack Obama has a net unfavorable rating of 42 percent favorable to 47 percent unfavorable, compared to 44 percent favorable and 49 percent unfavorable last March. The McCain-Obama match-up is clearly a help to Republicans in Tennessee.

Poll Demographics

About this Poll

Ayres, McHenry & Associates surveyed 500 registered voters throughout Tennessee on August 10-12, 2008. The March survey was conducted among 600 registered voters on March 5-9, 2008. The party balance is typical for what we usually find in Tennessee: 35 percent are Republicans, 30 percent are Independents, and 31 percent are Democrats, with the remainder unsure. Respondents for both surveys were selected by random-digit dialing to ensure that those with unlisted numbers were included in the sample, and all confirmed that they are registered to vote in their county. The margin of error for the statewide sample is ±4.38 percent.