Pennsylvania Democrats Smash Registration Record

Pennsylvania Democrats have registered in record numbers for the state’s April 22 primary following a late surge to Monday’s deadline. The last minute rush put the total number over 4 million, a 4 percent bump over both 2006 and 2004 at this point in the cycle. GOP registration declined slightly over the last 2 cycles.

Over 120,000 Democrats have registered for the first time since Jan. 1. An additional 86,000 switched their party affiliation from either Independent or Republican.

At first look, a break down by county shows the bump spans accross the state to areas of strength for both Sens. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.).

Recent polls show Clinton’s lead over Obama anywhere from 12 to 26 points.