The presidential race between Barack Obama and John McCain are in a statistical dead heat among Ohio voters, according to a new poll released by the Quinnipiac Polling Institute.

Obama leads McCain by 44 to 43 percent, within the margin of error. The last Quinnipiac poll showed the race at 46 to 44 percent with Obama in the lead. This is now the third poll of the last four showing the race practically tied.

Obama leads 51 to 37 percent among women against McCain, while McCain leads among men by 50 to 37 percent. McCain leads among whites by 11 points. 

Quinnipiac assistant polling director Peter Brown said the gender gap is where the election may turn in Ohio.

"The big question in Ohio is how much the gender gap will decide the election." he said in a statement. "Something has to give one way or the other," Brown said.

Each candidates' favorability rating slipped one point from the last Quinnipiac poll, and now hovers at about 50 percent. 

Obama is more trusted by voters to handle the "energy crisis," the economy and a natural disaster, but by single-digits over McCain. Voters favor foreign policy and security matters handled by McCain by double-digits over Obama. 

However, a majority said the economy is the top issue in the election, with Iraq coming in far behind with 16 percent calling it the top issue.