December 13, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Two contenders are virtually tied in the national race for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in the United States, according to a poll by the New York Times and CBS News. 22 per cent of respondents would like to see former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani as their candidate, while 21 per cent prefer former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Two contenders are virtually tied in the national race for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in the United States, according to a poll by the New York Times and CBS News. 22 per cent of respondents would like to see former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani as their candidate, while 21 per cent prefer former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is third with 16 per cent, followed by actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson with seven per cent, and Arizona senator John McCain also with seven per cent. Support is lower for Texas congressman Ron Paul, California congressman Duncan Hunter, and Colorado congressman Tom Tancredo.

On Dec. 10, Romney contrasted his policy views with those of Huckabee, saying, "I don’t think there’s a difference between us of significance on (gun rights, traditional marriage and abortion), but there are big differences between us in terms of our life experience. I spent my life in the private sector, and then running the Olympics, he spent his life in politics. So, we have a lifelong politician, versus somebody who’s been in the business world for most of his career."

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

Who would you like to see the Republican Party nominate as its presidential candidate in 2008?

Rudy Giuliani	22%
Mike Huckabee	21%
Mitt Romney	16%
Fred Thompson	7%
John McCain	7%
Ron Paul	4%
Duncan Hunter	3%
Tom Tancredo	1%
Someone else / None of these	2%
Undecided	14%

Source: New York Times / CBS News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 266 likely Republican primary voters, conducted from Dec. 5 to Dec. 9, 2007. Margin of error is 6 per cent.