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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina voters under age 45 and those who describe themselves as moderate favored Democrat Barack Obama, causing a closer than usual race in the traditionally solid Republican state.
An exit poll by The Associated Press shows Republican John McCain's strongest support came from voters 65 and older, and from those earning at least $50,000 a year. McCain also was winning among suburban voters.
Self-described moderates made up nearly half of voters, and they favored Obama. But McCain benefited from the fact that conservatives -- who favored him heavily -- outnumbered liberals in the state roughly two-to-one.
Nearly all of South Carolina's black voters supported Obama, while young voters also favored the Democrat, causing a narrower race than in 2004.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
