WASHINGTON (CNN) - A Quinnipiac poll out Tuesday suggests Hillary Clinton holds a clear advantage over Barack Obama in Pennsylvania, the next crucial battleground in the prolonged fight for the Democratic nomination.
Clinton holds a 12-point lead over Obama in the state, 53 percent to 41 percent, according to the poll. The New York senator's lead is double what a similar poll showed in late February, though it is still less than the 18-point gap between the two candidates in a month ago.
Clinton's widest gains in the state are among white voters, who now back her over Obama by a margin of 28 points. That compares to a 19-point gap in the late February poll.
Obama has made gains among Pennsylvania African-Americans, but hasn't drawn the same level of support from them as he has in previous contests. According to the poll, Obama wins 76 percent of the black vote, up from 69 percent in late February. In most recent primary states, Obama's African-American support has hovered around 90 percent. The narrower margin may be due to Clinton's endorsement from Philadelphia's popular black mayor Michael Nutter.
When it comes to the prospect of a joint ticket between the two candidates, 32 percent of Pennsylvania Democrats say they prefer Clinton on the top of the ticket while 18 percent prefer Obama. But 43 percent say they don't want the two to run together.
The new poll is similar to other recent surveys. In a CNN analysis of three recent polls, including Quinnipiac's, Clinton holds an average lead of 13 points over Obama.
Both campaigns have attempted to set the expectations ahead of Pennsylvania's vote. Obama's campaign has repeatedly noted the state is only 1 of 10 remaining contests, while Clinton's campaign has said a win there will prove the New York senator can win crucial swing states in a general election.
– CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
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Experience-Change-Strength?
Who is better than McCain! Not Hillary for sure.
Obama's speech proves he is extremely conflicted and irrelevant. Endless speeches about our TRAGIC RACIAL PAST will not heal this country, improve the economy, or end the war. Pastor Wright is HIS to defend. He was HIS choice. Now Obama is consumed with justifications and has completely lost his way.
Seems like Barack Obama's untouchable temple is starting to self destruct from within...theres a reason why people judge people by the company one keeps...
It gets worse, not better for Obama.
Have you seen PPP poll this morning, Obama is DOWN by 26% in PA? Visit PublicPolicyPolling.com
interesting March 18th, 2008 11:08 am ET
Keep it climbing.
Hillary 2008
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That would be 'falling' because her lead is LESS now than it was a few weeks ago. Rather simple, really.
Well said from Looking in the Mirror...
Hillary 2008!
Great speech – but – I cannot vote for obama for President of the United States!!!
GO HILLARY!!
Did I ever hear him make remarks that could be considered controversial while I sat in church? Yes.
OBAMA LIED!!!
NEWS FLASH
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON A DOUBLE DIGIT LEAD OVER JOHN MCCAIN THE REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER IN THE 2009 NATION ELECTION.
HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON THE NEW PRESIDENT OF UNITED STATES OF AMERICA..
LONG LIVE HILLARY AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!
oh and I forgot CHERYL too
HOW MANY OF YOU CAN SAY YOU HAVEN'T HEARD A FAMILY MEMBERS SAY RACIALLY CHARGED COMMENTS??? HYPOCRITES ALL OF YOU!!
GO HILLARY!!!
YES!
Take her to the HILL!!! Hill-a-ry! Hill-ary! Vote with your Brain-Not your heart!
NO HILLARY, NO BILL, NO MORE CLINTONS!!!!!
GO OBAMA
The rascally charge comments here highlight the hate that still wells up uncontrollably when our differences are exploited by the few. Sad..
Okay, Philadelphians–don't let us down. Show the rest of the state what brotherly love really means–One America, One Nation.
Obama 08
The intelligent people of PA know a winner when they see and hear her. Since Obama blew it even farther this will give Hillary more votes and delegates.
Hillary is our second choice. If Obama loses, we'll vote for her. Simple as that. No more Republicans ruining the country. They should be banned from the Whitehouse for all the damage they do to the ecomony. They are incompetent.
Keep it up!!! We need you PA. Show your support make the lead bogger!!
if you didn't get obama's speech you never will,this nation will allways have a divion because of it's narrow view's,on race. and i see on here there are a lot of people that love it.so sad.
This undoubtedly will be the most nauseating Presidential campaign in my memory (I'm 65)!!!
hey HillARY CLiNTON BEST FOR AMERICA OBAMA GO crawl under a rock with your (RACiST) PREACHER CLiNTON 08
Hillary knows how to get the job done. She wants to go down in the history books as being the 1st women president & making a major difference.
Obama speech was very moving, moving forward I think he has a better chance on becoming the Democratic nominee.