Expectations that Barack Obama will be the Democratic Presidential nominee soared following the Senator’s weekend string of victories in Louisiana, Nebraska, Washington, and Maine. As of Monday morning, Rasmussen Markets data gave Obama a 70% chance of representing the Democratic Party in November’s election (current price %).

With the exception of a few days following his January 3 victory in Iowa, the markets have perceived Obama as the underdog since the campaign began. Before winning South Carolina, the Senator from Illinois was given a 30% chance of emerging victorious. But, as noted by Rasmussen Reports, something seemed to change with that victory. As Super Tuesday approached, expectations for Obama steadily increased. Following the biggest day of Primaries and Caucuses in the nation’s history, Obama was perceived to be a slight favorite.

Now, as the markets consider him the solid frontrunner overall, polls show that Obama is poised to do very well in both Virginia and Maryland. Rasmussen Markets data show that he is overwhelmingly favored to win in both states.

This creates a difficult scenario for Senator Hillary Clinton and her campaign. The former First Lady is looking forward to a difficult several weeks before entering a Primary where she is expected to do well. Market expectations for the March 4 contests in Ohio and Texas have also swung in Obama’s direction. However, those races are seen as being very competitive.

Nationally, in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll, Clinton still retains a very modest lead.

Among Republicans, expectations that John McCain will be the nominee exceed 90% (current prices: %). McCain is also expected to win Tuesday’s contests in Virginia and Maryland.

Rasmussen Markets results are from a prediction market, not a poll. Using a trading format where traders "buy and sell" candidates, issues, and news features, the Rasmussen Markets harness competitive passions to provide a reliable leading indicator of upcoming events. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom of the market. Market results are continuously updated.