Polls & Research

Republicans 2008: Giuliani 38%, McCain 16%

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Rudy Giuliani is still the most popular presidential hopeful for Republican Party supporters in the United States, according to a poll by Gallup released by USA Today. 38 per cent of respondents would back the former New York City mayor in a 2008 primary.

Arizona senator John McCain is second with 16 per cent, followed by actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson with 10 per cent, former House of Representatives speaker Newt Gingrich also with 10 per cent, and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney with six per cent.

Support is lower for former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson, Texas congressman Ron Paul, Colorado congressman Tom Tancredo, former New York governor George Pataki, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, Nebraska senator Chuck Hagel, Kansas senator Sam Brownback and California congressman Duncan Hunter.

Yesterday, Fred Thompson disclosed that he was diagnosed with indolent lymphoma in 2004, adding, "The American people have a right to know this. And they have a right to voice their opinions whether they think it's a big deal or not. And I know it's not a big deal as far as my health is concerned, as much as a person can know things like that. But other people have a right to look at it and weigh in and I have a need to factor that into my decision in terms of the reaction I get of that."

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

Support for potential 2008 Republican presidential nominees, among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents who are registered to vote.