According to a new nationwide survey commissioned by LEADS at Spelman College, African-American female Democrats across the country say leadership abilities, not race or gender, is the primary motivator for their selection of Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as the Democratic presidential nominee.

The first survey conducted to explore the political interests and mindsets of minority female Democrats reveals that few African-American female Democrats admit race (3.9 percent) or gender (5.6 percent) are the primary motivators for selecting the next presidential candidate. Nine out of 10, say they will choose the Democratic nominee based on leadership abilities.

“Contrary to sensational headlines, this survey shows that African-American women are looking beyond the surface of race and gender,” said Jane E. Smith, Ed. D., executive director of LEADS at Spelman College, a leadership development center for women.

“When facing critical issues such as healthcare, the economy and the war in Iraq, leadership demands integrity, which is represented not only by words, but by thoughts and actions.”

However, the study confirms other national polls stating that African-American women are more likely to vote for Barack Obama, while Hispanics and other minority women prefer Hillary Clinton.

When asked to state which leadership abilities they most desire in a presidential candidate, the study of 305 African-American females (of 905 total minority participants) cite integrity (19.7 percent), ability to make changes (19 percent) and inclusiveness (17.7 percent) as their top three characteristics. The ability to build bridges with other nations and unite people complete the top five at 14.4 percent and 11.5 percent, respectively.

Seventy-eight percent of African-American females believe Barack Obama best represents their ideal candidate over 27.7 percent who select Hillary Clinton.