I grew up in South Dakota so this state is always has a special place in my heart. While the state has trended conservative for a long time, I find a new poll put out on Oct. 18th interesting. It is a local poll from the local newspaper the Argus Leader and KELO.
According to our scientific poll, 46 percent say Obama will do the best job of handling the economy, while 45 percent say McCain. When we asked about national security, most feel McCain is the better person to deal with that by 60 percent to 35 percent. As for dealing with the war in Iraq, 55 percent think McCain would manage the war better than Obama.
Here is the question we asked and a breakdown of the answers.
Which of the two major presidential candidates - Democrat Barack Obama or Republican John McCain -- do you trust more to handle the following issues?
The economy topped the list overwhelmingly with 56% and South Dakotans feel that Senator Obama would do a better job with the economy at 46% with 9% unsure.
Oddly the poll did not ask who would get their vote. The second most important issue to South Dakotans was social issues at 7%. WOW! That is a huge difference.
I think with a little effort, South Dakota could turn blue. A better poll might be of interest to our community-well at least to me, maybe no one else cares. I would love to see this state show its progressives side-it is there, and I believe it can be drawn out. That would be Huge!