(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney would be unable to carry the Bay State in the 2008 United States presidential election, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. At least 54 per cent of respondents would vote for either of three Democratic Party members in head-to-head contests against the Republican politician.

Romney—a Mormon—won the 2002 gubernatorial election in Massachusetts, defeating Democratic challenger Shannon O’Brien with 50 per cent of the vote. Romney decided not to seek re-election in 2006. He had gained prominence after acting as the chief executive officer and organizer of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Romney trails New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton by 26 points, Illinois senator Barack Obama by 18 points, and former North Carolina senator John Edwards by 21 points. In other match-ups, Rodham Clinton holds a 25-point lead over former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, and a 34-point advantage over actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson.

In 2004, Democrat John Kerry—who has represented Massachusetts in the U.S. Senate since 1984—carried the Bay State’s 12 electoral votes, with 62 per cent of all cast ballots. The last Republican to win Massachusetts in a presidential election was Ronald Reagan in 1984.

U.S. president George W. Bush is ineligible for a third term in office. The next United States presidential election is scheduled for November 2008.

Original Release from Rasmussen Reports

Polling Data

Massachusetts - 2008 U.S. Presidential Election

Mitt Romney (R) 34% - 60% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

Mitt Romney (R) 36% - 54% Barack Obama (D)

Mitt Romney (R) 33% - 54% John Edwards (D)

Rudy Giuliani (R) 33% - 58% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

Fred Thompson (R) 27% - 61% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

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