(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in the United States are divided on which issues should be the most important for their next president, according to a poll by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research. 23 per cent of respondents believe the next head of state should make America energy independent and address global warming, while 19 per cent want to strengthen the military and keep America safe.

Making government accountable, getting rid of waste and listening to people is next on the list with 18 per cent, followed by restoring the middle class and raising incomes with 17 per cent, and getting control of borders and dealing with illegal immigration also with 17 per cent.

The list of prospective Republican Party candidates includes former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, Arizona senator John McCain, and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. The Democratic Party's presidential hopefuls include New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Illinois senator Barack Obama, and former North Carolina senator John Edwards.

On Apr. 5, Giuliani discussed his views on offshore drilling, saying, "Energy independence means everything has to be open for discussion. The idea of having more oil under our command, so to speak, or within our orbit probably for some period of time is going to be important. The ultimate goal, however, should be renewable sources of energy."

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

Now, I want you to think about the next president and what he or she should really focus on getting done for the country. Please tell me which two of the following are most important for you.

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