The Franklin & Marshall College poll of Pennsylvania voters seems to support the theory that the state might not enjoy its typical battleground status this year in the presidential race.

The June poll shows President Barack Obama with a healthy lead over Mitt  Romney, 48 percent to 36 percent. The poll of 412 Pennsylvania voters also showed that Obama is viewed favorably by 46 percent of the voters to 27 percent for Romney.

President Barack Obama/AP file photo

The poll also shows that Obama is better able to handle foreign policy issues, 57 to 29 percent; understands the concerns of ordinary Americans, 57 to 31 percent; can handle the job as military chief, 51 to 33 percent; aligns closest to the respondents’ views on abortion and gay marriage, 47 to 37 percent; and is prepared to fix the nation’s economic problems, 44 to 38 percent.

Paradoxically, the poll says that six in 10 voters believe the state is moving in the wrong direction.

Mitt Romney/AP File Photo

The poll also shows U.S. Sen Bob Casey with a comfortable lead over  GOP challenger Tom Smith, 42 to 21 percent

There’s still a long way to go, however, before the Nov. 6 election.

– John Guerriero