In Georgia’s Democratic Presidential Primary, Barack Obama has taken command of the race.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds Obama with 52% support while Clinton attracts 37%.

Before Obama’s huge victory in South Carolina, the Senator from Illinois had a much narrower six-point lead, 41% to 35%. At that time, John Edwards was still in the race and he picked up 13% of the Georgia vote.

Obama is viewed favorably by 80% of Likely Primary Voters while Clinton earns favorably reviews from 77%. Among African-American voters, Obama is viewed favorably by 96%, Clinton by 78%. Among White Voters, Clinton is viewed favorably by 78%, Obama by 66%.

Seventy-seven percent (77%) believe Obama is at least somewhat likely to win the election if nominated. Seventy-six percent (76%) say the same about Clinton.

Fifty-one percent (51%) say the economy is the top voting issue for Election 2008 while 18% say it’s the War in Iraq.

Clinton remains the frontrunner for the Democratic Nomination, but Obama has gained ground since his victory in South Carolina and high-profile endorsements from the daughter and brother of martyred President John F. Kennedy. A Rasmussen Reports analysis earlier in the week noted that the numbers still favored Clinton, but sometimes the numbers don’t matter.

Since then, Obama’s position has improved in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll and in several states including California, Arizona, Missouri, Alabama, and Massachusetts (see summary of Super Tuesday polls). Still, while Clinton has lost ground, she started from a very solid position. So, it remains to be seen whether Obama’s surge will be enough to actually take the lead or if he will fall just a little bit short. Whatever the outcome, it is now unlikely that the Democratic nominee will be selected on February 5.

Rasmussen Markets data gives Clinton a % chance of winning the Democratic nomination and Obama a % chance. 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.

A summary of Rasmussen Markets data for Super Tuesday contests is available for both Republicans and Democrats.

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