Mississippi: McCain 52%, Obama 41%

A new Rasmussen Reports poll says McCain has opened an 11-point lead over Obama in Mississippi.

McCain now leads his Democratic opponent by 11 points 52% to 41%, after maintaining a 6-point lead for the previous two months in a row. Counting “leaners,” McCain leads 54% to 42%.

The Republican candidate has gained slightly in terms of favorables. He is now viewed favorably by 64% of voters here, up from 58% in June. Obama has held roughly steady from last month, with 47% viewing him favorably and 51% unfavorably.

Rasmussen Markets data shows that McCain is given a 85.0% chance of carrying Mississippi in November. The state is classified as “Likely Republican” by the Rasmussen Reports Balance of Power Calculator.

Half of Mississippi voters rate economic issues as their number one concern this election cycle, followed by 26% who rank national security at the top. Seventy percent (70%) of Mississippi voters say lowering the price of gas and oil is more important than protecting the environment, but 20% disagree. This is significantly higher than the national averages on this question.

There is a growing feeling among voters throughout the country that the U.S. and its allies are winning the war on terror, 59% of voters in Mississippi feel that way, while 19% say the terrorists are winning and 16% say it’s a draw.

Forty-one percent (41%) say President Bush is doing a good or an excellent job, while the identical number (41%) rate his performance as poor.