Clinton Leads Obama by 12 in California

In California, a state that’s shaping up to be nearly make or break for Obama come Feb. 5, he’s still trailing Clinton by double digits, according to the Field Poll (PDF). released today:

1/14-20. Likely voters. MoE 5/2%. (December 2007)

Clinton: 39 (36)
Obama: 27 (22)
Edwards 10 (13)
Others: 4 (9)
Undecided 20 (20)

From the Field press release:

Clinton’s lead is largest among women, Latinos, lower income voters, non-college graduates, and seniors.  Conversely, Obama is preferred among blacks, college graduates and Democratic primary voters with household incomes of $80,000 or more.  Clinton and Obama run about even among men, liberals, and white non-Hispanics.

Both of the leading candidates are viewed by likely Democratic primary voters in a very positive light.  Yet, Clinton is perceived by voters as holding a big advantage over Obama as being the candidate with the right experience and who has the best chance of winning in the November general election.  Obama, on the other hand, is viewed by more voters as being the candidate who best represents change.

Clinton voters are much more likely to consider jobs/the economy as being the most important issue to them when deciding whom to support for President.  By contrast, Obama supporters are more likely to view the war in Iraq and foreign policy as their top concerns.