Poll: Clinton’s 2016 lead narrows over GOP rivals

Hillary Clinton continues to hold a 6- to 7-point lead over her potential Republican opponents in the 2016 presidential contest, according to a new poll. 

However, the Marist-McClatchy poll released Thursday found Clinton’s overall lead has declined by an average of about 8 percentage points since April, a trend reflected in other polling. 

The poll found Clinton would lead her closest potential opponent, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), 48 percent to 42 percent.  

She leads New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush by similar margins, 48 percent to 41 percent. 

{mosads}In April, Clinton commanded a 14-point lead over Paul. She also held a 16-point lead over Bush and an 11-point lead over Christie. 

On the Republican side, 23 percent are undecided about their pick for the GOP nomination in 2016.

Thirteen percent of Republicans said they would select Bush or Christie for the nomination. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (R) ranks closest behind, garnering 10 percent. 

A number of other Republicans trail shortly behind, including Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan (9 percent), Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (9 percent), Texas Gov. Rick Perry (7 percent) and Paul (7 percent).

None of these potential candidates has officially announced a 2016 bid yet.

The poll surveyed 1,035 people on Aug. 4. It contains a margin of error of 3 points. The margin of error among Republicans is 5.3 points.