Obama has fragile lead in Maryland

BALTIMORE, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama appears to have a small advantage in Maryland, a new poll indicates.

Obama has gained support in Maryland with the state's large black population coalescing around him, The Baltimore Sun reported Monday.

According to the poll, Obama has a 39 percent to 26 percent lead over New York Sen. Hillary Clinton among Democrats. Former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards trailed with 12 percent support.

Among Maryland Republicans, Sen. John McCain of Arizona has a slight edge over former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, 29 percent to 18 percent support.

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney were trailing, with 16 percent and 12 percent.

Still, with less than a month before the state's Feb. 12 primary, many Maryland voters say they might still change their minds.

"It's an extremely malleable electorate," said Steve Raabe, president of Annapolis-based OpinionWorks. He said voters are finding it a challenge to "lock in on anyone."