Thread: Barack Obama leads Clinton in Iowa contest

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jh ... ama121.xml

Barack Obama leads Clinton in Iowa contest
By Tom Leonard
Last Updated: 2:31am GMT 21/11/2007



Barack Obama has edged ahead of Hillary Clinton in the key state of Iowa, according to a new poll that suggests her commanding advantage in the Democratic nomination race is slipping.

Full coverage: US election 2008
The Washington Post/ABC News poll showed Mr Obama backed by 30 per cent of Iowa Democrats, Mrs Clinton with 26 per cent and John Edwards with 22 per cent.

advertisementWhile the difference between the two leaders comes within the poll's margin of error, making it a statistical tie, the result signifies an increase in support for Mr Obama since July, when his lead was just one point.

The Clinton campaign has poured resources into winning Iowa because, as the state which kicks off the presidential nomination process, it is expected to have a disproportionate influence.

The poll also suggested that likely Democratic voters in Iowa were more interested in a "new direction and ideas" than in strength and experience.

If Mrs Clinton wins Iowa on Jan 3, it may be difficult for another candidate to stop her from taking the nomination.

But if Mr Obama were to win, observers believe it could provide the momentum to bring victory in New Hampshire.

I say these to will do a real good job of keeping each other Busy till the bitter end