WTHR |Star-13 poll shows tight race in Democratic primary

Star-13 poll shows tight race in Democratic primary

Kevin Rader/Eyewitness News

Indianapolis - The two Democratic candidates for president are spending a lot of time and money in Indiana, and now Eyewitness News has exclusive new information about just how close that race really is.

For 40 years Indiana Democrats have only dreamed of playing an important role in the presidential primaries. In 2008 that dream has became a reality. 

If the election were held today, 41% of those polled in the WTHR-Indianapolis Star Poll would vote for Sen. Barack Obama, with 38% for Sen Hillary Clinton with a high percentage of 21% undecided.

"Wow! That is a large unsure, which is good. As you know in all these primaries and caucuses the undecided break for Hillary," said Terry McAuliffe, Clinton campaign.

"We intend to do well here. We will campaign really hard here. We are going to do everything we can in this state," said Kevin Griffis, Obama spokesman.

The Obama campaign has argued that he is best suited to bring about changes in Washington policy, and that appears to be taking root. Forty-five percent agree with that, while 37% say Senator Clinton is the one with 18% not sure. But the Clinton campaign has touted her experience and 55% of Hoosiers polled agreed. Twenty-seven percent say Barack Obama has the experience with 18% not sure.

The Obama camp argues that judgment is more important than experience.

What Democrats really wonder is how will each candidate fare against Republican John McCain.

Paired off against McCain, Senator Hillary Clinton polls at 46%, as does McCain, with 8% not sure. 

"As you know once there is a nominee you reshuffle the deck. Republicans will come out, McCain will come out, those 527's will come out and it's an entirely new election," said McAuliffe.

A McCain-Obama race shows 41% for the Arizona senator and 49% for Senator Obama with 10% not sure.

"I think what we are seeing whether it's West Virginia or Colorado, states that have gone the other direction for a long time we've been able to put them in play.  Senator Obama has been able to put them in play," said Griffis.

With the high number of undecided the WTHR Indianapolis Star poll shows Indiana is definitely at play.

See more poll results