(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Fred Thompson is barely leading in the race for the Republican Party's presidential nomination in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 28 per cent of respondents would support the actor and former Tennessee senator in a 2008 primary.

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani is a close second with 27 per cent, followed by former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney with 10 per cent, and Arizona senator John McCain also with 10 per cent. Support is lower for former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and Kansas senator Sam Brownback.

On Jun. 18, Romney voiced support for increased military spending, saying, "I want to carry the big stick. "I hope I don't have to use it, but I want to make sure we have it so that people understand we are a nation of strength. If you look across the world you can recognize that there is terror going on. There is a worldwide effort of different people all intent on bringing down modernity and, replacing it, in some respects, with barbarism."

In American elections, candidates require 270 votes in the Electoral College to win the White House. In November 2004, Republican George W. Bush earned a second term after securing 286 electoral votes from 31 states. Democratic nominee John Kerry received 252 electoral votes from 19 states and the District of Columbia.

Bush is ineligible for a third term in office. The next presidential election is scheduled for November 2008.

Polling Data

Republican Presidential Primary Contenders

Archive Search

Over 19,300 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.