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Obama Widens Iowa Lead

Senator gains 4 points in last Register poll before caucuses; Huckabee maintains lead

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 1, 2008 11:55 AM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama gained on Hillary Clinton and John Edwards in the last Des Moines Register poll before Thursday's Iowa caucuses, pulling 32% of likely caucusgoers, to Clinton's 25% and Edwards' 24%. Obama's widening lead—4 points up from late November and the widest all year—comes in part from a surge of first-time caucusgoers, the Register reports. The GOP survey shows Mike Huckabee maintaining his lead over Mitt Romney, 32% to 26%.

The Democratic hopefuls' feverish efforts to recruit new caucusgoers appear to be paying off: 60% of those polled said they would be attending for the first time. Obama owes 72% of his support to first-timers, Clinton 58%, and Edwards 55%. Still, the race is fluid, with a third of likely caucusgoers saying they could be persuaded to change their votes.

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., shakes hands at a campaign stop Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, in Jefferson, Iowa. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., speaks at a campaign stop Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, in Jefferson, Iowa. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., greets Olivia Taylor, 3, during a rally in Perry, Iowa, Monday, Dec. 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a rally in Perry, Iowa, Monday, Dec. 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., speaks during a rally in Perry, Iowa, Monday, Dec. 31, 2007. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., shakes hands at a campaign stop Monday, Dec. 31, 2007 in Perry, Iowa. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

Buttons supporting Democratic presidential hopeful and Illinois... (Getty Images (by Event) Individuals)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., speaks at a campaign stop Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, in Jefferson, Iowa. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama D-Ill., answers questions at a campaign stop Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, in Perry, Iowa. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) (Associated Press)

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Obama Widens Iowa Lead

Senator gains 4 points in last Register poll before caucuses; Huckabee maintains lead

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Hillary Faces Gender Hurdle in Iowa

Calls state a 'special burden,' but holds six-point lead

Like Health Reform? Thank John Edwards

Remember, that was his deal in '08 campaign

Obama Courts Risk With Sunday's 'Full Ginsburg'

President may risk overexposure by appearing in 5 talk shows

Edwards Cost Clinton Dearly: Penn

Ex-senator's fall from grace touches off second-guessing

Edwards Lie Cost Hillary the Nomination, Aide Says

...and hence the nomination

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Obama Widens Iowa Lead

Senator gains 4 points in last Register poll before caucuses; Huckabee maintains lead

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Barack Obama • Hillary Clinton • John Edwards • caucusgoers

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Hillary Faces Gender Hurdle in Iowa

Calls state a 'special burden,' but holds six-point lead

Like Health Reform? Thank John Edwards

Remember, that was his deal in '08 campaign

Obama Courts Risk With Sunday's 'Full Ginsburg'

President may risk overexposure by appearing in 5 talk shows

Edwards Cost Clinton Dearly: Penn

Ex-senator's fall from grace touches off second-guessing

Edwards Lie Cost Hillary the Nomination, Aide Says

...and hence the nomination

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

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More News

What is Newser?