Back-to-back Monmouth University polls released Thursday have promising news for Republican front-runner Donald Trump in two states with upcoming primary elections on April 26.
“Donald Trump’s sizable lead in Maryland’s GOP primary puts him on track to claim all 38 delegates available,” predicts one poll, which found that 47 percent of likely Republican primary voters in the state support him, compared to 27 percent who favor Gov. John Kasich and 19 percent who intend to vote for Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas.
“If Trump’s current level of support translates to each of Maryland’s eight congressional districts, he may be able to run the table in the all-important delegate contest,” said Patrick Murray, director of the independent Monmouth University Polling Institute.
“Trump’s overwhelming support among men without a college education accounts for his substantial lead statewide,” Mr. Murray said.
Mr. Trump enjoys a large lead among male voters — 55 percent to 24 percent compared to Mr. Kasich and 13 percent for Mr. Cruz — and he leads among female voters, 37 percent to 30 percent and 25 percent for his two rivals.
Meanwhile, a second Monmouth poll reveals that Mr. Kasich — who was born in Pennsylvania — still loses to Mr. Trump in the state.
“Native son status amounts to zilch for Kasich,” the survey declared. It found that 44 percent of likely GOP primary voters in Pennsylvania support Mr. Trump, 28 percent back Mr. Cruz and 23 percent Mr. Kasich.
“It looks like Trump should be able to bank the 17 statewide delegates in Pennsylvania. The real question is how the directly elected district delegates will vote at the convention in July,” Mr. Murray said.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.