Poll Finds Obama Slipping in NY

By Karen DeWitt

Albany, New York – Barack Obama's lead in New York has fallen to just five points ahead of John McCain, in a new poll conducted by Siena College.

The Siena poll finds the presidential race is tightening in New York, with Democrat Barack Obama at 46%, and Republican John McCain at 41%. That's an 8 point drop for Obama since August, and an 18 point drop since June, says Siena spokesman Steve Greenberg, who says it's a "very tight race" in New York.

"Obama certainly hasn't closed the deal with voters yet," said Greenberg.

The change may have something to do with the second spot on the major party tickets. Siena's Steve Greenberg says there's been a shift in the support of women for McCain, since he chose Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate.

Obama in August led McCain among New York women by 12 percentage points. Now that lead has narrowed to just two percentage points.

The poll also found New York governor David Paterson continues to be popular, with a 59% approval rating.