Public Policy Polling (D) has released new numbers (5/1-2, 802 LVs, MoE +/- 3.5%) on the eve of the Democratic primary for Senate in North Carolina, finding that Secretary of State Elaine Marshall is inching closer to, but still shy of, the required 40 percent needed to avoid a runoff.

Primary Election Matchup
Marshall 28 (+2 vs. last poll, 4/24-26)
Cunningham 21 (-2)
Lewis 9 (+2)
Harris 2 (-1)
Other 7 (unch)
Und 33 (-1)

Marshall's edge could be attributed largely to name ID -- she generates far more response when voters are asked if the view her favorably or unfavorably. But slightly more voters say they've heard more about Cunningham than Marshall during the course of the campaign.

Roughly three-in-five voters say they are solidly committed to their current choice, while 39 percent say they could change their mind. If enough undecideds break Marshall's way, she could win the primary outright -- 40 percent is needed to avoid a runoff. In a potential Marshall-Cunningham runoff, Marshall still comes out ahead.

Hypothetical Primary Runoff Matchup
Marshall 43 -- Cunningham 32 -- Und 25

Sen. Richard Burr (R) is waiting in the wings. RCP currently classifies the race as Lean Republican.

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