(ARGM) - Democrat Al Gore holds the upper hand in a United States presidential contest against Republican Mitt Romney, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 48 per cent of respondents would vote for the former U.S. vice-president, while 39 per cent would support the Massachusetts governor.

In a contest pitting Romney against New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, the Democrat holds an eight-point advantage.

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, and has been mentioned as a possible presidential contender for the GOP in 2008.

Earlier this month, Romney discussed his views on gay rights, saying, "I don't see the need for new or special legislation. My experience over the past several years as governor has convinced me that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act would be an overly broad law that would open a litigation floodgate and unfairly penalize employers at the hands of activist judges."

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

Possible match-ups - 2008 U.S. presidential election

Mitt Romney (R) 39% - 48% Al Gore (D)
Mitt Romney (R) 40% - 48% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)

Archive Search

Over 19,500 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.