31% for Barack Obama in California

A comprehensive poll of 782 likely Democratic Primary voters has shown that Barack Obama is the preferred nominee by 31% of those surveyed last week.

The poll conducted by Survey USA on behalf of a number of TV news networks in California, puts Hillary Clinton in the lead on 41%. John Edwards is in third on 10% with Bill Richardson following on 4%.

California has taken on a greater significance given that the Primary has been moved forward from June to February 5, 2008. All of the major Democrat candidates have visited California in the last 2 weeks. Barack Obama held major rallies and a fundraiser there 2 weeks ago, and Hillary Clinton was involved in a clean up initiative last week. John Edwards has also been prominent, holding rallies at a number of College campuses this week.

The poll took place between 3 and 5 March and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6%.