NEW YORK, June 25: Senator Barack Obama, the presumed Democratic nominee for the presidency of the United States, is holding a double-digit lead over Republican Senator John McCain among registered voters, according to a new poll released on Wednesday.

Obama holds a 12-point lead over McCain in a head-to-head match up, 49 per cent to 37 per cent, the Los Angeles Times, Bloomberg poll said.

But when third party candidates Ralph Nader and Bob Barr are added to the list, Obama’s lead over McCain extends to 15 points — 48 per cent to 33 per cent.

The survey is the second in a matter of days to indicate that McCain may face a sizable deficit as the general election campaign kicks off. A Newsweek poll released four days ago showed the Illinois senator with a 15-point lead.

According to a CNN analysis of five recent national surveys, Obama holds an 8-point lead over his presidential rival.

CNN Polling Director Keating Holland notes a substantial lead in June does not always lead to a decisive victory the following November.

“Historically speaking, when June polls show a tight race, the race usually remains tight all the way through November. But when June polls have shown a big lead for one candidate, that lead has often melted,” Holland said.

Bill Clinton was leading Bob Dole by up to 19 points in June, 1996; Clinton won by eight. Michael Dukakis had a 14-point lead over George Bush the elder in June, 1988; Bush won by seven. Jimmy Carter was up nearly 20 points in June, 1976 but in November eked out a two-point win.

And Richard Nixon managed an even smaller victory in 1968 even though he had a 16-point margin that June,” Holland noted.

The Los Angeles Times/ Bloomberg poll indicates Obama is clearly benefiting from the nation’s economic troubles.

Voters rate the economy as the most pressing issue facing the country and say Obama is likely to handle the issue better than the presumptive Republican nominee.

Voters say McCain is better suited to handle the war against terror, but the poll indicates that is not currently their top concern.