Wesley Clark, Howard Dean about even in poll

<br>OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Democratic presidential hopefuls Howard Dean and Wesley Clark are about even in a poll of registered Democrats in Oklahoma. <br><br>The state will hold its presidential primary

Wednesday, January 7th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Democratic presidential hopefuls Howard Dean and Wesley Clark are about even in a poll of registered Democrats in Oklahoma.

The state will hold its presidential primary on Feb. 3, the earliest in the state's history.

Dean, the former Vermont governor, was supported by 24% of those who participated in the survey, while Clark, a retired Army general, had 21% support.

The American Research Group survey of 600 people was taken from Dec. 20-23. Margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Joe Lieberman was supported by 9% of those who took the survey and Dick Gephardt had 4% support. The poll showed 34% undecided.

A national CNN-USA Today-Gallup poll out Wednesday showed Dean with 24 percent support and Clark with 20 percent. The poll was taken Jan. 2-5.

Dean held a 21-point lead over Clark in the poll less than a month ago. In recent weeks, Dean rivals have increased their criticism of his controversial statements, his record as governor of Vermont, and his feisty temperament.