(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican Chuck Hagel trails two prospective Democratic presidential nominees in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 48 per cent of respondents would vote for New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2008, while 40 per cent would support the Nebraska senator.

In a contest pitting Hagel against Illinois senator Barack Obama, the Democrat holds a 16-point advantage.

Hagel was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1996 and earned a new six-year term in 2002, defeating Democratic challenger Charlie Matulka with 83 per cent of the vote. Hagel is a member of four Senate committees, including foreign relations and intelligence. He has not officially launched a presidential bid.

On Feb. 22, Hagel discussed his views on foreign policy, saying, "We're losing that legitimacy, that credibility, at a time the world is experiencing the greatest generational shift in history and we can't afford to lose the next generation. That despair and hopelessness breed resentment to the United States and developed countries."

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

Chuck Hagel (R) 40% - 48% Hillary Rodham Clinton (D)
Chuck Hagel (R) 34% - 50% Barack Obama (D)

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