(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Rudy Giuliani is barely ahead in the national race for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 24 per cent of respondents would vote for the former New York City mayor in a 2008 primary, while 22 per cent would back actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and Arizona senator John McCain are tied for third with 14 per cent, followed by former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee with four per cent.

Yesterday, Thompson officially launched his candidacy in a video webcast, declaring, "My friends, I come to you today to tell you that I intend to run for president. I feel deeply that I am doing it for the right reasons. I love my country and I am concerned about its future. (...) My story is an American story, where a small town kid of modest means and modest goals grows up to realize that he has been a very lucky person."

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.

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