Rivals Clinton, Sanders tied in support among Democrats: Poll

Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, top contenders in both the Democrat presidential nominating races, have roughly equal support among members of the party.

The top contenders in both the Democratic and the Republican presidential nominating races have roughly equal support among members of their respective parties, according to a national Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday.

Images of Democratic US presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, with messages left by visitors, are seen on display at an exhibit of historical voting items and political memorabilia at the Schenectady County Historical Society in Schenectady, New York. (Reuters Photo)

The results suggest the race to get onto the November 8 presidential ballot is tightening, as candidates prepare for their next state contest, in New York next week.

In the Democratic race, former secretary of state Hillary Clinton and US senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont each had 48% support, according to responses from 719 Democrats polled from April 8-12. The two have been tied frequently since February.

In the Republican race, celebrity real estate developer Donald Trump had 41% support, to 35% for senator Ted Cruz of Texas, according to responses from 598 Republicans. The result was within the poll’s credibility interval.

Cruz’s support has risen in recent weeks, making him the first candidate to rival Trump’s popularity among Republicans since neurosurgeon Ben Carson in November.