The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in Pennsylvania shows Hillary Clinton leading Barack Obama 51% to 38%. Those numbers are little changed from a week ago.

Clinton now leads by twenty-five percentage points among women and is essentially even among men. She attracts votes from 69% of white women while also leading among voters over 40 and those with incomes under $75,000 a year. Obama leads 79% to 13% among African-American voters.

The economy is seen as the top issue by 53% of Likely Democratic Primary Voters, but they differ as to what must be done. Forty-six percent (46%) say it’s most important to reduce income inequality while 45% say the priority should be on generating more economic growth.

Comments by former Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro have caused a stir nationally and 66% of Likely Democratic Primary Voters have been following the story at least somewhat closely. Ferraro recently told a newspaper that "if Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position." Clinton voters are fairly evenly divided on Ferraro’s comment—39% agree and 47% disagree. Obama voters overwhelmingly reject Ferraro’s premise—93% disagree with her statement while only 4% agree.

Sixty-two percent (62%) of Black voters believe Ferraro’s comments were racist. Just 23% of White voters agree.

Ferraro also said that Clinton was treated unfairly by a “sexist media.” Fifty-seven percent (57%) of Clinton supporters agree with that statement while 26% disagree. Obama voters disagree by an 85% to 9% margin.

Among all Likely Democratic Primary Voters, 55% believe Obama has received better treatment from the media while 20% say Clinton has received the better coverage. By a 72% to 10% margin, Clinton voters believe Obama has been the media favorite. Obama voters are evenly divided.

Overall, 44% believe Clinton will do better in the fall campaign against John McCain. Thirty-seven percent (37%) believe Obama will be the better general election candidate. By a 43% to 38% margin, Likely Democratic Primary voters in Pennsylvania believe Obama will be the nominee. Seventy-six percent (76%) of Obama voters believe their candidate will win. Twenty-two percent (22%) of Clinton supporters expect Obama to win as well.

If Obama does, in fact, win the nomination, just 57% of Clinton voters say they are even somewhat likely to vote for him against John McCain.

If Clinton is the nominee, just 64% of Obama voters say they are at least somewhat likely to vote for her against McCain.

Recently released polling data shows that Pennsylvania could be in for a very competitive general election campaign. McCain currently holds statistically insignificant leads over both Democrats in the Keystone State. Nationally, the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll also shows a very competitive race.

In the Keystone State, Clinton is viewed favorably by 76% of Likely Democratic Primary Voters. Those figures include favorable reviews from 83% of women and 68% of men. Obama is viewed favorably by 72% overall.

Rasmussen Markets data just prior to release of this poll shows that Clinton is overwhelming favored to end up victorious in Pennsylvania (current prices: Clinton % Obama %). Overall, the Markets give Obama a % chance to win the Democratic nomination while expectations for a Clinton victory are at %. Numbers in this paragraph 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.

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