CNN reports that a poll released Monday by The Associated Press and Ipsos shows Hillary Clinton beating John McCain by nine points in a hypothetical match-up. Clinton would dominate McCain 50 percent to 41 percent, while things would appear much bleaker for Barack Obama - he and McCain are statistically tied because his two-point lead over McCain is within the poll’s margin of error.

What does this mean for the Democratic candidates? If voters and superdelegates are influenced by this poll, it could mean stronger support for Clinton in the coming days. Superdelegates can make their decisions based on any number of factors - personal preference, the will of the voters in their states, what would be best for the party in the end - and this could influence the superdelegates who, most of all, want to see a Democrat in the White House.

Speaking of superdelegates - CNN is also reporting that North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley will endorse Clinton. CNN’s sources are… well, “two sources close to the campaign.” Interesting.

Clinton and Obama will go head-to-head in Indiana and North Carolina on May 6, and while it seems like either could win Indiana, it’s very likely that Obama will take North Carolina:

Recent polling suggests Barack Obama currently holds a double-digit lead over Clinton there, though no polls have been released since Clinton’s win in Pennsylvania last week.

Perhaps Clinton’s Pennsylvania win, combined with her nine-point poll lead over McCain and Easley’s alleged endorsement, will help her put up a fight next week in North Carolina.