LAS CRUCES — Sen. Barack Obama had an edge over Sen. Hillary Clinton among New Mexico voters, according to the results of a phone survey conducted in recent days by New Mexico State University students.
Some 48 percent of Democrats surveyed statewide said they preferred Obama, while 42 percent backed Clinton. Another 10 percent said they were undecided.
"It looks like Obama is ahead in New Mexico," said New Mexico State University government professor Jose Z. Garcia, who oversaw the poll. "I'd be surprised if those results are wrong, but whether (he's ahead) by six points or two points — it's anybody's guess."
Garcia said Clinton showed slightly more support among Hispanics, similar to predictions on the national level.
Garcia said whether Obama actually pulls out a win today in the state's Democratic presidential caucus will hinge mainly on turnout. He said because the caucus setup and its significance aren't well-understood by voters, Clinton could have an advantage if she's able to motivate her base and relatively few people head to the polls.
"If I had to guess, I'd have to say the Clinton people are more experienced at this sort of thing," said Garcia.
But a relatively high turnout likely would favor Obama, Garcia said.
http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_8166199