The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of North Carolina’s Presidential Primary finds Barack Obama leading Hillary Clinton 51% to 37%. Earlier this month, Obama led by twenty-three percentage points.

Nationally, Obama has the edge over Clinton in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

The demographic results in North Carolina are similar to the dynamics seen nationally and in most primaries—Clinton leads by fifteen points among White voters while Obama leads 80% to 11% among African-Americans. Clinton does well among White Women and older voters while Obama leads among those under 65.

Among White voters who earn less than $60,000 annually, Clinton leads by a 2-to-1 margin. Obama leads among White voters who earn more than $75,000 a year.

Obama is viewed favorably by 71% of the state’s Likely Primary Voters, down four points from the previous survey. Clinton is viewed favorably by 62%, down four since earlier this month.

Among Clinton voters, Obama is viewed favorably by 38%. Among Obama voters, Clinton is viewed favorably by 41%.

Eighty-four percent (84%) of Clinton voters believe she would be the strongest general election candidate against John McCain. Eighty-nine percent (89%) of Obama supporters believe he would be the better candidate in the fall.

Overall, 62% believe that Obama will win the nomination while 26% believe it will be Clinton who ends up representing the party.

Obama voters, by an 89% to 6% margin, believe their candidate will win. Clinton voters, by a 58% to 30% margin, believe the former First Lady will be the Party’s nominee.

Thirty-two percent (32%) of Tar Heel Democratic Primary Voters say that Clinton should drop out of the race. Twenty percent (20%) say the same about Obama. These figures are close to the national average.

Forty-four percent (44%) say it’s Very Likely the Democratic race will remain unsettled until the convention. That figure includes 55% of Clinton supporters and 36% of Obama voters.

Rasmussen Markets data just prior to the release of this poll showed Obama was heavily favored to win the North Carolina Primary. Current prices show that Obama has a % chance of winning while Clinton is given a % chance of victory. Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. 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.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of survey respondents were women and 44% men. Sixty-four percent (64%) were White, 33% African-American, and 3% some other racial heritage. Ten percent (10%) were under 30 and 55% over 50.

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