The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely Maryland voters shows Senator Barack Obama leading John McCain 48% to 42%. However, McCain has a slight edge over Hillary Clinton, 45% to 43%.

Both Democrats have huge leads over Mitt Romney. Obama leads Romney 55% to 34% and Clinton leads him 52% to 39%.

In October, Clinton held a seven point lead over McCain. In a solidly Democratic state, McCain is polling well for a Republican. He is viewed favorably by 69%. Obama is viewed favorably by 63% of voters.

In both presidential match-ups, Obama fares better among women than men. Against Romney, Obama earns the vote from 60% of women and 49% of men.

Rasmussen’s weekly analysis of the democratic primary states that Obama has triggered a political earthquake after his must-win in the Iowa caucus. The former Illinois senator significantly narrowed the gap with Clinton nationally in the daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

Data from the Rasmussen Markets suggests that Barack Obama is the new frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. Current market prices show Obama with a % chance and Clinton with a % chance.

Overall, more Maryland voters (51%) say the state should not ban the death penalty, while 35% disagree. More democrats (44%) than republicans (21%) believe the death penalty should be banned.

Only 36% of Maryland voters feel President Bush is doing a good or excellent job as president. Forty-eight percent (48%) say he is doing a poor job.

Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley didn’t receive a good report card either. Only 33% feel he is doing a good or excellent job, while 37% think he is doing a poor job.

The poll was conducted in partnership with Fox Broadcast Stations, Inc.

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