US Democratic presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton are in a virtual tie in California, the country’s most populous state and one that until recently was strongly in Clinton’s favor, a new statewide poll has found.
Clinton is leading Sanders among likely voters, 46 percent to 44 percent, within the margin of error, according to a poll released Wednesday by the Public Policy Institute of California.
A poll by the same institute in March found Clinton with a lead of 48 percent to 41 percent over Sanders.
The survey came as both Sanders and Clinton have increased their campaign appearances and advertisements as the June 7 primary election approaches.
California is one of the most expensive states for television advertising, given its size and the number of media markets.
Sanders’ rallies have drawn big, enthusiastic crowds in many parts of California. His aides say he intends to spend nearly all his time in the state until the…