Obama Holds 9 Point Lead In Colorado; Early Voters Trending Democrat

October 30, 2008 12:28 p.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - As early voting is underway in Colorado, Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) holds a comfortable lead in the Centennial State where the Democratic party held its national convention this fall.

In the latest poll conducted by the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, Obama leads McCain 52% to 43% among registered voters.

"The race tightens a bit among likely voters including early voters and those who are undecided yet leaning toward a candidate," Marist pollsters explained. Yet even among likely voters, Obama leads 51% to 45%.

"Obama's lead among this group is due largely to early voters. 44% of Colorado's registered voters say they have already cast their ballots. Take them out of the equation, and Obama and McCain are tied (at 46%) among likely voters," Marist added.