North Carolina is now home to the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee. However, John Edwards has a lot of work to do if he wants to deliver that state to his party in this year's Presidential election.

The latest Rasmussen Reports survey finds President George W. Bush with a seven point lead over Senator John F. Kerry, 49% to 42%. The survey was completed in June, before Kerry named Edwards as his running mate.

Four years ago, Bush won North Carolina by a very comfortable 13-point margin, 56% to 43%. A month ago, Bush led Kerry by a mere four points. Our mid-month update, available to Premium Members, found Bush leading 49-43.

Based upon that mid-month result, we moved North Carolina to the "Leans Bush" category in our Electoral College projections.

In North Carolina, Bush holds a commanding lead among white voters while Kerry leads among minority voters. Bush does best among voters in their 30s and 40s, while Kerry is strongest among those under 30.

Fifty-five percent (55%) of North Carolina voters Approve of the way President Bush is performing his job. That's unchanged from a month ago... and several points above his national Job Approval rating.

Data for North Carolina will be updated again early next month.

Rasmussen Reports is an independent public opinion research firm that provides daily updates on the Presidential election and the nation's economic confidence.

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