Latest Des Moines Register poll shows Barack Obama has widened lead in Iowa as caucus nears

According to The Des Moines Register's final Iowa Poll before the 2008 nominating contests, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama has widened his lead over Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. The phone survey of 800 likely Democratic caucusgoers was taken Dec. 27-30.

Obama was the choice of 32 percent of likely Democratic caucusgoers, up from 28 percent in the Des Moines Register's last poll in late November.  The paper reports Democratic caucusgoers saying they prefer change and unity over other leadership characteristics.

A win in the Iowa caucus would serve as a springboard for the Obama campaign while dealing a sever blow to the candidacy of John Edwards.  Edwards has basically lived in Iowa for the last year, pinning his hopes on the state to propel him past is high profiled rivals.

The Register also reports former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee leads Mitt Romney 32 percent to 26 percent in a poll of Iowans planning to attend Thursday's Republican caucuses.  John McCain ranks 3rd with 13 percent.

The whole nation will have their eyes on Iowa on Thursday.  Why do they get to have all the fun?  This system needs an overhaul to say the least. 

Thanks to Adrianne at Black Women in Europe for the heads up.