Obama beats Palin in Alaska, Hays Research poll says

President Obama holds a lead over former Gov. Sarah Palin in a hypothetical head-to-head presidential race, according to a Hays Research poll of likely voters in Alaska.

The poll found that Obama leads Palin by a solid nine points, 34% to 25%, among voters who expressed a strong preference. Among those with a not-so-strong preference, Obama and Palin each received 6%.

Including those who said they leaned to one or the other candidate, Obama led by 42% to 36% overall, the poll found. About 16% said they were undecided, and 7% preferred another candidate.

The survey is based on interviews June 21 and 22 with 500 likely Alaska voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4%.

The poll was paid for by Porcaro Communications, whose CEO, Mike Procaro hosts a talk radio show.

Obama has announced that he will seek a second term. Palin, who was the GOP vice presidential candidate, has yet to announce her plans for 2012.