President Barack Obama holds a 9-point lead in Pennsylvania, according to a new poll released Saturday.
The latest Inquirer Pennsylvania Poll shows Obama leading Mitt Romney among likely voters in the Keystone State, 51 percent to 42 percent. Obama’s lead can be readily explained by the disparate popularity of the two candidates. The president is viewed favorably by 53 percent of Pennsylvania voters, compared with 47 percent who view him unfavorably.
Romney, on the other hand, is viewed favorably by only 43 percent, while 50 percent have an unfavorable view of the former Massachusetts governor. It’s a problem that has vexed Romney’s candidacy throughout the campaign, and it may well be the factor that helps Obama overcome a sluggish national economy and win re-election.
The PollTracker Average currently shows Pennsylvania favoring Obama, who leads Romney, 49.9 percent to 41.4 percent.
