UNITED STATES:Barack Obama has edged ahead of rival Hillary Clinton in New Hampshire less than a month before the state's nominating primary in the 2008 race for the White House, a new poll showed on Friday.
The Concord Monitornewspaper poll showed the senator from Illinois leading Clinton 32 per cent to 31 per cent in New Hampshire, which on January 8th holds the first primary in the run-up to the November 2008 presidential election. The survey had a 4 percentage point error margin.
It mirrors other polls this week showing the New York senator's lead vanishing in New Hampshire, suggesting a fiercely competitive race in a state where the former first lady led by a comfortable margin just weeks ago.
On Wednesday, a poll showed the race a statistical dead heat with Ms Clinton leading Obama 31 per cent to 30 per cent. In September, Ms Clinton enjoyed a commanding lead of more than 20 points over Obama.
New Hampshire's primary helps kick off the state-by-state battle to pick candidates for the November 8th, 2008, election. The midwestern state of Iowa holds the first contest of the party nominating process with its January 3rd caucuses.
The Monitorsaid much of Mr Obama's backing comes from undeclared voters while registered Democrats gave the most support to Clinton.
New Hampshire allows independents - not just registered Republicans and Democrats - to vote in its primary and they can choose either a Republican or a Democratic ballot.
Former North Carolina senator John Edwards was in third place in the Monitor poll with 18 per cent, followed by New Mexico governor Bill Richardson at 8 per cent.
Among Republicans, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney leads his rivals in New Hampshire with 31 per cent support, followed by former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani at 18 per cent.
- (Reuters)