Bruce Merill

Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain: Photo by Getty ImagesThe new Cronkite/Eight poll released last night indicates that Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) is creeping up on Sen. John McCain in a head-to-head presidential matchup in Arizona, and now is within single digits of the favorite son. 15 percent of respondents remained undecided. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) also improved against McCain, but still trails him in Arizona by a substantial margin.

On the local front, incumbents have cause for celebration, especially in Maricopa County. While the poll shows Gov. Janet Napolitano remains extremely well-liked midway through her lame duck term, it also indicates strong support for Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, County Attorney Andrew Thomas among those in the county who had an opinion of them.

However, in the article accompanying the poll said, its conductor, Dr. Bruce Merill, said, "Sen. McCain will win in his home state this November regardless of who the Democrats nominate."