(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many Democratic Party supporters in the United States want Hillary Rodham Clinton to become their presidential nominee in 2008, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 48 per cent of respondents say the New York senator is their first choice for president.

Illinois senator Barack Obama is second with 22 per cent, followed by former North Carolina senator John Edwards with 11 per cent. Support is lower for New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, Delaware senator Joe Biden, Ohio congressman Dennis Kucinich, and Connecticut senator Chris Dodd.

On Dec. 3 in Iowa, Richardson discussed his chances, saying, "I have met Iowans looking for a presidential candidate who has the experience to bring about the change that our country so desperately needs. I am that candidate. I have the experience to solve the very real problems facing our country. As president, I will end the war in Iraq, work toward solving our energy crisis, and make sure that every American has access to health care."

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

Which one of the following Democratic candidates would be your first choice for president?

Source: Pew Research Center for the People and the Press
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 467 registered Democrats or Democratic leaners, conducted from Nov. 20 to Nov. 27, 2007. Margin of error is 5 per cent.

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