G327

WASHINGTON -- Vice President Gore has moved into a virtual tie with Texas Gov. George W. Bush in the latest USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll, mainly because of gains among independent voters.

The nationwide survey of likely voters in the presidential race, taken over the weekend, found Bush leading Gore 45%-43%. Among the 628 interviewed, the margin of error was +/--4 percentage points. A poll June 23-25 showed Bush with a 50%-38% lead.

Among independent voters who said they were likely to cast ballots on Election Day, 36% favored Democrat Gore and 37% backed Republican Bush. In June, Bush enjoyed a 54%-29% lead with that group.

The survey also found that Gore was picking up support among traditional Democrats who have been tepid in their backing of the party's choice. Only 77% said they favored Gore last month; the figure rose to 86% in the new poll.

"Al Gore for the last several weeks has been talking about prosperity and progress and talking about fighting for the people and not the powerful," Gore spokesman Mark Fabiani said. "These are compelling issues for swing voters, and as people start to pay more and more attention to the election, these issues will persuade them to vote for Gore."

Bush advisers reacted cautiously. Spokesman Ari Fleischer said, "When you average all the public polls for the month of July, the race is about a 6-point race," with Bush ahead. "We expect a close race, and we're very satisfied with the way this campaign has shaped up to date."

The Gore campaign in recent weeks has been talking about the nation's strong economy and trying to convince Americans that the vice president deserves a share of the credit, along with President Clinton.

When survey participants were asked if they were satisfied with the way things are going in the USA, 61% said yes, up 5 points from last month.

Recent national polls have shown the vice president trailing Bush. Gore supporters have insisted that he would pull even by Labor Day, when voters are expected to pay closer attention to the race.

In a poll breakdown closely watched by political insiders, Gore's favorable/unfavorable ratings improved: 58% had a favorable impression of him, compared with 34% unfavorable. Last month, those figures were 52%-39%.

Bush also gained: 64% held a favorable opinion and 29% unfavorable. Last month, those figures were 60%-31%.