60 pc of women in US 'unimpressed' by McCain's running mate

Washington, Sept 4 : A survey conducted in the US has found that most women are not impressed by Republican John McCain's choice of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate for the post of Vice-President.

Majority of the women have thrown their weight behind the Democratic ticket in the race for the White House.

The poll was conducted by the Garin-Hart-Yang Research Group.

According to the survey finding, around 60 percent of the US women were of the opinion that McCain's choice of a female running mate as a "calculated political decision" rather than one based on Palin's experience and qualities.

"Women voters see the choice of Governor Palin as being driven by politics rather than by any sense of conviction on Senator McCain's part that she has the experience and qualities to make a good vice president," The News quoted the research group as saying in a statement.

A majority of the 800 women polled - 56 per cent - said they were put off by Palin's legislative record and her position on moral issues, such as abortion.

The poll found: "When women voters learn that Palin opposes abortion even in cases of rape and incest, opposes stem cell research and, as governor, opposed funding for state pre-kindergarten programs... a majority say... (they) feel less favourable toward her."

ANI