In New York’s Democratic Presidential Primary, Hillary Clinton has an eighteen point lead over Barack Obama. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey shows Clinton picking up 52% of the vote while Obama earns 34%. Eight percent (8%) say they plan to vote for some other candidate while 6% remain undecided.

The divides between the candidates nationally are evident in the Empire State as well. Clinton leads by thirty points among women but trails by two among men. She leads by twenty-three points among white voters but trails by forty among African-Americans.

Clinton is viewed favorably by 80% of Likely Primary Voters, Obama by 77%.

The economy is viewed as the top issue by 43% of New York’s Likely Democratic Primary Voters. Twenty-four percent (24%) name the War in Iraq as the highest priority while 11% see Health Care as the most important issue.

Clinton remains the frontrunner for the Democratic Nomination, but Obama has gained ground since Obama’s huge 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, 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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