A new Quinnipiac national poll shows Obama leading McCain by 9 points (July 8-13, 1725 LV, MoE +/- 2.4%). In May, before securing the Democratic nomination, Obama led by 7 points.

In the poll, independents were split, with both candidates receiving 44%. Women favored Obama by almost 20 points, as did 94% of blacks. The economy was easily the most important issue -- 53% said the economy was the No. 1 issue, while 16% said it was the war in Iraq and 11% said health care.

Obama 50
McCain 41
Und 7

Obama leads by 4.0 points in the RCP National Average