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How Church Attendance Affects Religious Voting Patterns

Oct. 23, 2008

The latest report from the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press shows that, as in previous elections, differences in voting patterns by religion are amplified when church attendance is taken into account. For example, Barack Obama has made no headway among white evangelical Protestants who attend church at least once a week; just 17% of this group supports him. By contrast, 37% of white evangelicals who attend services less frequently support Obama.

Similarly, while Obama has made gains among Catholics overall, he runs even with John McCain among observant white Catholics (45% to 45%). He now has a clear lead among white Catholics who attend Mass less frequently (53% to 38%).

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Oct. 21, 2008
Evangelicals start soul-searching as prospect of Obama win risks Christian gains in politics
The Guardian

Oct. 21, 2008
Hispanic Protestants swinging back to Democrats
The Associated Press

Oct. 20, 2008
Secular voters feel abandoned, ignored by candidates
Religion News Service

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Oct. 21, 2008
Obama Makes Big Gains Among White Catholics
God-o-Meter

Oct. 21, 2008
Seismic Pew
Spiritual Politics

Oct. 21, 2008
Big Gains for Obama Among Weekly Churchgoers
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Religious Landscape Survey

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