Post-Palin, McCain gains in California, but only among base

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Peter Hecht | Sacramento Beee

Sarah Palin is driving the electorate in California — right back to the party base.

Four out of five Republicans in the state say they're more likely to vote for John McCain now that he has added the Alaska governor to the GOP ticket.

More than four out of five Democrats say they're now less inclined to vote for McCain with Palin as his vice presidential nominee.

In a new state Field Poll, McCain trails Democrat Barack Obama by 52 percent to 36 percent among California voters — a six-point increase for McCain since July.

Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo said Palin is helping McCain consolidate his Republican base but isn't winning over the swing voters he needs to be competitive in the state.

"It's all about Sarah if you are a Republican," DiCamillo said. "She makes them more enthusiastic. McCain has rallied the base. But he hasn't done much else and that's the problem for McCain."

read the full story at sacbee.com.

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