Economy, culture wars vie for election spotlight

By Andrea Hopkins - Analysis

LEBANON, Ohio (Reuters) - With jobs disappearing, banks failing and the housing market a mess, Democrats were certain the U.S. presidential election would be all about the economy. Suddenly all anyone talks about is faith, family and female voters.

Call it the Sarah Palin effect.

The surprise choice of the little-known Alaskan governor as running mate by Republican presidential nominee John McCain for the November 4 election has turned the campaign debate into something else entirely.

Opinion polls show the economy the top concern with the two main presidential candidates running neck and neck.

Democrat Barack Obama has tried to paint his rival McCain with the same blame he heaps on Republican President George W. Bush for causing rising prices and stagnant incomes.

Alaska Gov. Palin, who would be the first female U.S. vice president, has made a big splash in the 12 days since her selection as McCain's running mate.

Women with children debate Palin's ability to run for office while raising five children. Conservatives applaud her anti-abortion credentials. Newspapers run interviews with family, friends and pastors attesting to Palin's fundamentalist Christian faith.