Advantage, Obama…Double-Digit Lead Among Likely Voters: Although the presidential race between Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain is a close contest among Iowa’s registered voters, the Democratic candidate leads his Republican opponent by double digits among voters likely to vote on Election Day. 46% of Iowa’s registered voters say they support Obama while 41% say they back McCain. But, Obama widens his lead among likely Iowa voters including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate. Obama receives 51% to McCain’s 41% among these voters. Here’s how the contest breaks down along party lines. 92% of Iowa’s likely Democratic voters report they support Obama. 85% of the state’s likely Republican voters say they back their party’s candidate, McCain. Independent voters likely to vote in November divide 44% for Obama to 42% for McCain. Iowa is one of three states that switched party columns from 2000 to 2004 and by the narrowest of margins. Al Gore carried the state in 2000. President Bush defeated former Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry in 2004. Right now, Obama is poised to change Iowa’s electoral make-up yet again.
http://www.maristpoll.marist.edu/Battleground2008/IA080924.htmPresidential Race in New Hampshire:
· Candidates Locked in Tight Race…Obama with Edge Among Likely Voters: With New Hampshire’s 4 electoral votes on the line, Senator Barack Obama has the support of 48% to 45% for Senator John McCain among New Hampshire’s registered voters. However, factor in New Hampshire’s likely voters, including those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate, and Barack Obama has a 6 percentage point edge over John McCain. Obama leads McCain 51% to 45%. There is a wide partisan divide among New Hampshire’s likely voters. 96% of the state’s likely Democratic voters say they support Obama while 87% of the state’s likely Republican voters say they back McCain. A majority of New Hampshire’s Independent voters -- 54% -- report they are behind Barack Obama.
http://www.maristpoll.marist.edu/Battleground2008/NH080924.htm