The poll, conducted Saturday and Sunday, shows 49 percent of likely voters preferred Kerry versus 48 percent for Bush. Independent candidate Ralph Nader garnered 1 percent.

With a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, the result indicates the two candidates are still locked in a deadheat. The numbers are based on answers from 793 likely voters.

Kerry had been lagging behind Bush in Gallup polls until the two met in a face-to-face debate on Sept. 30 in Florida. Kerry came out as the clear winner of the debate and polls showed he had closed his gap with Bush.

2nd face-off did little to affect the race

The latest poll suggested that the second face-off between the two in St. Louis, Missouri, Friday did little to affect the race. The candidates have one more debate, scheduled for Wednesday in Tempe, Arizona, which will focus on economy.

The Gallup poll shows that Kerry may hold an edge on the economy, though Bush may have stronger support on taxes. Fewer people believing the economy is getting better today than did in September.

Only 43 percent of respondents said they believe the economy is improving. About 55 percent said it would be better in Kerry's hands.