- Democrat Barack Obama holds the upper hand in a United States presidential contest against Republican Mitt Romney, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 47 per cent of respondents would vote for the Illinois senator, while 38 per cent would support the Massachusetts governor.

In a contest pitting Romney against former North Carolina senator John Edwards, the Democrat holds a 13-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 is expected to declare his candidacy for the White House next month.

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) 38% - 47% Barack Obama (D)
Mitt Romney (R) 37% - 50% John Edwards (D)

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