A new poll by the Civitas Institute says Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has opened up a 5 point lead in North Carolina.

According to the live telephone survey of 600 likely General Election voters, Obama leads McCain 46-39 among those who initially voiced support for a candidate. However, when undecided voters are asked which way they lean, Obama's lead shrinks to 48-43. Libertarian candidate Bob Barr receives two percent of the vote. Seven percent of voters remained undecided.

"The amount of money Obama is spending on television in North Carolina is finally paying dividends," said Francis De Luca, Executive Director of the Civitas Institute. "Obama's ability to capitalize on the financial crisis and to outspend McCain in North Carolina gives him a strong advantage."

"One of the theories we've advanced is that for Obama to win North Carolina he needed to obtain 37% of the white voters. In this poll he is now receiving that amount," added De Luca. "McCain has a lot of ground to make up and not much time to do so."

The same poll also shows Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory has maintained his lead in the race for governor over Democratic rival Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue.

Perdue leads McCrory 41-38 among those who initially voiced support for a candidate. However, when undecided voters are asked which way they lean, McCrory's lead becomes 43-41. Libertarian candidate Michael Munger receives two percent of the vote. 14 percent of voters remained undecided.

"There is still a significant portion of undecided voters out there," added De Luca. "With both candidates' polling in the low 40s and the election less than a month away, this race is still wide open."