electoral college votes

Barack Obama beat John McCain in the capitol of very-Republican Utah:

Updated election results released Tuesday show that Salt Lake County voters favored Barack Obama over John McCain — but just barely — marking the first time in decades that a Democratic presidential hopeful won the state’s most populous county.

The presidential election is exactly one month away and it appears Republican John McCain is running behind in the polls.

Surveys suggest that Democrat Barack Obama is approaching the 270 Electoral College votes needed for victory.

The two candidates will meet Tuesday in Nashville, Tenn., for a town hall-style debate.

With leaners
Obama - 47%
McCain - 46%

Without leaners
Obama - 45%
McCain - 43%

Obama’s Veep announcement is probably today, so these numbers may change a bit between now and the Democratic National Convention.

With leaners
Obama - 47%
McCain - 45%

Without leaners
Obama - 44%
McCain - 41%

Obama gained one in each and McCain lost one in “with” leaners.

With leaners
Obama - 46%
McCain - 46%

Without leaners
Obama - 43%
McCain - 43%

It’s all knotted up…and after leading by 5 or 6 points for the last month or so, Obama’s camp has to be wondering why these numbers are tightening.

The only thing I can think is his recent move to the middle.

Obama - 48%
McCain - 44%

McCain lost one from yesterday, so the race could be stabilizing…although we have yet to see the effects of Obama’s decision on campaign finance.

Obama - 48%
McCain - 45%

A race stabilizing? Because there’s absolutely no change today.

Of course, when I look at “The 5 day”, McCain seems to hold steady for a couple days then inch up another point.