In Vermont, Barack Obama holds a commanding twenty-four point lead over Hillary Clinton with just over a week to go before the Primary. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey shows Obama with 57% of the vote while Clinton attracts only 33%.

In other states that will vote on March 4, Clinton currently leads in Rhode Island and Ohio while Texas is very competitive.

In Vermont, Obama is viewed favorably by 87% of Likely Democratic Primary Voters while Clinton is viewed favorably by 79%.

Eighty-nine percent (89%) believe that Obama is at least somewhat likely to win the White House if nominated. That figure includes an amazing 61% who believe he is Very Likely to win the general election.

For Clinton, 74% believe she would be at least somewhat likely to win. Thirty-six percent (36%) believe she would be Very Likely to win as the Democratic nominee.

The economy is seen as the top issue by 40% of Likely Primary Voters. Twenty-six percent (26%) name the War in Iraq as their highest priority.

Most analysts believe Clinton must win both Texas and Ohio to have any chance of winning the Democratic Presidential Nomination. If she does that and hangs on to her lead in Rhode Island, Vermont would be Obama’s only victory on March 4.

Nationally, Democrats have a slight advantage at the moment in the Electoral College but McCain is competitive with both leading Democrats in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

An Inside Report by Robert Novak says that some senior Democrats are wondering who will tell Clinton “that she cannot win the presidential nomination and the sooner she leaves the race the more it will improve chances of defeating Sen. John McCain in November? “

Rasmussen Markets data now shows Obama with a % chance to win the Democratic nomination. 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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