Obama edges ahead of Clinton in Iowa

Barack Obama has edged ahead of national front-runner Hillary Clinton in Iowa’s Democratic nomination race, a poll showed today.

The first-in-the-nation caucus, set for January 3, remains a tight three-way contest but Mr Obama leads the poll, ahead of the former First Lady and Senator John Edwards.

The Washington Post/ABC News poll showed Mr Obama was supported by 30% of Iowa Democrats, followed by Mrs Clinton with 26% and Mr Edwards with 22%.

As the first state to choose who it wants to see in the General Election next year, Iowa wields disproportionate power in the presidential race and has ended many candidates’ aspirations in the past.

With Mrs Clinton leading her opponents in other early primary states, a victory in Iowa is crucial for both Mr Obama and Mr Edwards.

And if Mrs Clinton was to lose Iowa, and then New Hampshire, her bid to return to the White House could be doomed.

The candidates with the most money and momentum from the early contests will enjoy a distinct advantage as voters go to the polls in more than 25 states, from California to New Jersey, in the first month of 2008.

As the race focuses on Mrs Clinton’s experience against Mr Obama’s promise of a new direction for America, the poll showed 55% of Iowans favoured change, compared to the 33% who preferred experience.

Among the “new direction” voters, 43% backed Mr Obama and 17% favoured Mrs Clinton.

:: The Washington Post/ABC News poll surveyed 500 Iowans, who were deemed likely to vote in the caucuses, between November 14-18.