The Los Angeles Times poll released Monday shows the race in a virtual dead heat, with Bush backed by 42 percent and McCain backed by 40 percent. The poll included 55 percent Republicans, 27 percent independents and 18 percent Democrats in its sample of 1,047.

McCain's appeal among independents and Democrats keeps him in a close race with Bush, who has an advantage among Republicans. In 1996, a third of voters in South Carolina's primary were non-Republicans and two-thirds were self-described Republicans.

Bush had higher marks from potential voters on the issues of education and most effective at getting things done, while McCain scored higher on foreign policy and bringing change to Washington.

A majority of likely voters said Bush would be the strongest nominee in November, while a third said that about McCain. Bush and McCain about evenly split the vote among men and women.

McCain turned the GOP presidential race upside down by winning the New Hampshire primary Feb. 1. He had a 3-to-1 edge among independent voters and finished close to Bush among Republicans.

South Carolina has an open GOP primary, meaning independents and Democrats also may vote. Turnout will be key, because Republicans traditionally are more likely to vote in their party's primary.

Three-fourths of those surveyed said Bush and McCain have the experience to be president. Almost two-thirds said Bush was conservative, while just under half called McCain a conservative and about a fourth said he was a moderate.

The Times Poll, conducted Thursday through Saturday with 1,047 people intending to vote in the primary, has an error margin of plus or minus 3 percentage points.