New poll sees Kerry in front

DEMOCRAT John Kerry has taken a slight lead over US President George W Bush, according to an Associated Press poll that found him gaining ground with women, boosting his overall popularity and cutting into the president’s advantage on national security.

The two candidates remained in a very close race ahead of their second debate last night in St Louis. Among 944 likely voters, the Democratic ticket of Kerry and John Edwards led Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, 50% to 46%, in the poll conducted for the AP by Ipsos-Public Affairs.