It has been indicated by a poll that U. S. Sen. John McCain, seeking a fifth term, holds a comfortable lead over his challenger in Arizona's GOP primary, former Rep. J. D. Hayworth.

According to the reports of Politico, a Daily Kos/Research 2000 poll released Friday showed McCain favored by 52 percent of likely Republican voters to 37 percent for Hayworth.

The Washington publication further said that the 15-point advantage was up from 7 percentage points in a Rasmussen poll last month.

Congressional Quarterly reported the poll indicates McCain would easily top two possible Democratic contenders with a 52 percent to 33 percent edge over Tuscon City Councilman Rodney Glassman and a 57-21 percent margin over businesswoman Nan Stockholm Walden. The poll indicates it would be closer in a race if Hayworth wins the GOP nomination with a 48-37 percent edge over Glassman and a 53-22 percent lead over Walden.

Congressional Quarterly also said that neither Democrat has officially jumped into the race.

The poll, which carries a margin of error of 5 percentage points, was conducted on March 29-31. (With Inputs from Agencies)