(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Rudy Giuliani are almost even in a head-to-head United States presidential contest, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 45 per cent of respondents would vote for the Illinois senator in next year’s ballot, while 44 per cent would support the former New York City mayor.

Support for Giuliani in this match-up increased by one point since late August, while backing for Obama remained stable. In a separate contest, Obama holds a four-point advantage over actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson.

Yesterday, former Denver mayor Federico Pena—who served as energy secretary during the Bill Clinton administration—endorsed Obama, saying, "I have come to conclude that Barack Obama has the depth of judgment that our country needs to usher in a new era of global leadership. For me, judgment and wisdom are far more important than experience. But frankly, I like the experience that Senator Obama has."

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.

Original Release from Rasmussen Reports

Polling Data

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

Giuliani v. Obama

Thompson v. Obama

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