President Barack Obama continues to hold a slight edge over Republican challenger Mitt Romney, according to the latest Marquette Law School Poll. The survey of likely November voters conducted earlier this month has Obama sitting at 50 points, compared to 45 for Romney. The results have remained fairly consistent through most of this year, with past polls showing the President with a single digit lead.
Marquette Law School Poll director Charles Franklin says Wisconsin currently reflects most of the country, as the numbers have remained relatively static over the past several months. He says part of that may be due to Obama being an incumbent seeking reelection or the fact that the 2010 election was already seen by many as a mandate on Obama’s policies.
Franklin says things could begin to change as the November election draws closer. He expects many Americans to start paying more attention to the campaigns during the party nominating conventions, which have traditionally helped the challenging candidate gain some momentum.
Another factor could be who Romney picks as his running mate. Among the many vice presidential candidates being talked about right now is Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan. If the Janesville Republican gets the VP nod, Franklin says that could give Romney a boost in Wisconsin.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (:57)