(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican Newt Gingrich trails two prospective Democratic presidential nominees in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 50 per cent of respondents would vote for New York senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in 2008, while 43 per cent would support the former House of Representatives speaker.

In a contest pitting Gingrich against former U.S. vice-president Al Gore, the Democrat holds an 11-point advantage. Support for Gingrich has increased since November, but remains below the 45 per cent mark in both match-ups.

Gingrich represented Georgia's 6th district in the lower house from 1979 to 1999, serving as speaker from 1995 to 1999. He was the co-author of the 1994 "Contract with America", a policy document released before the mid-term election to outline specific Republican Party policies and proposals. The Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives in that election, with 230 seats.

On Feb. 16, Gingrich criticized two fellow party members, declaring, "The idea that these campaigns have to be this utterly stupid and destructive. I saw something the other day where (Kansas senator Sam) Brownback is attacking (former Massachusetts governor Mitt) Romney. I mean, what a dumb way to spend your life."

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

Gingrich v. Rodham-Clinton

Gingrich v. Gore

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