Trump consolidates his position in presidential race

Washington: Less than two weeks before the primary election season to elect a new US president kicks off from Iowa, real estate tycoon Donald Trump has consolidated his position over his nearest Republican rivals.

According to the latest CNN/WMUR poll in New Hampshire, Trump, 69, has a popularity rating of 34 per cent as against 20 per cent of his nearest Republican presidential rival Ted Cruz, 45.

On the other hand, the popularity lead of Clinton, 68, the former Secretary of State and the First Lady, appeared to have dwindled over his nearest Democratic rival Bernie Sanders, 74.

The primary in New Hampshire is scheduled for February 9 and the Iowa caucus is on February 1.

Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, 62, and Florida Senator Marco Rubio, 44, are tied at third position with 10 per cent each.

The latest polls are good news for Bush as his popularity rating is in double digit in New Hampshire.

According to the same poll, Sanders outperforms Clinton in head-to-head match-ups with top GOP presidential candidates in New Hampshire.

Sanders leads Trump and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, 53, by 23 percentage points.

In New Hampshire, Sanders (51.6 per cent) leads Clinton (39 per cent), while in Iowa Clinton (46.8 per cent) has a narrow lead over Sanders (42.8 per cent), as per Real Clear Politics.

IANS