June 20, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Hillary Rodham Clinton remains the national frontrunner in the race for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 38 per cent of respondents would vote for the New York senator in a 2008 primary.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Hillary Rodham Clinton remains the national frontrunner in the race for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 38 per cent of respondents would vote for the New York senator in a 2008 primary.

Illinois senator Barack Obama is second with 27 per cent, followed by former North Carolina senator John Edwards with 16 per cent. Support is lower for New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, Delaware senator Joe Biden, Connecticut senator Chris Dodd, Ohio congressman Dennis Kucinich, and former Alaska senator Mike Gravel.

On Jun. 15, Rodham Clinton criticized the current government's policies on embryonic stem cell research, adding, "We do take seriously the ethical concerns. This is not something that has been done in a quick, poorly thought out way. (...) I think there is a false difference between the president's position and ours."

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

Democratic Presidential Primary Contenders

	Jun. 14	Jun. 7	May 31
Hillary Rodham Clinton	38%	37%	34%
Barack Obama	27%	25%	26%
John Edwards	16%	11%	15%
Bill Richardson	3%	n.a.	n.a.
Joe Biden	2%	n.a.	n.a.
Chris Dodd	1%	n.a.	n.a.
Dennis Kucinich	1%	n.a.	n.a.
Mike Gravel	1%	n.a.	n.a.

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 775 likely Democratic primary voters, conducted from Jun. 11 to Jun. 14, 2007. Margin of error is 4 per cent.