(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Republican John McCain has extended his advantage over Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton in a prospective 2008 United States presidential contest, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 49 per cent of respondents would vote for the Arizona senator, while 38 per cent would back the New York senator.

Support for McCain in this match-up remained stable since December, while backing for Rodham Clinton fell by five points.

On Jan. 14 in Michigan, McCain discussed global warming, saying, "I believe there’s scientific evidence that drastic things are happening to our planet. If I’m wrong and we move ahead with green technology, the only downside is leaving a cleaner world for our children."

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 presidential election is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Polling Data

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

McCain v. Rodham Clinton

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 800 likely American voters, conducted on Jan. 9 and Jan. 10, 2008. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.

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