(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Rudy Giuliani remains the top contender in the race for the Republican Party's presidential nomination in the United States, according to a poll by RT Strategies for the Cook Political Report. 34 per cent of respondents would vote for the former New York City mayor in a 2008 primary.

Arizona senator John McCain is second with 17 per cent, followed by actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson with 10 per cent, former House of Representatives speaker Newt Gingrich with nine per cent, and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney with six per cent. Support is lower for former Wisconsin governor Tommy Thompson, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, former New York governor George Pataki, Kansas senator Sam Brownback and former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore.

Yesterday in South Carolina, Giuliani discussed his views on abortion, saying, "Ultimately I believe it's an individual right and a woman should make that choice. I tell people what I think. I tell them (to) evaluate me as I am and do not expect them to agree with me on everything. I don't agree with me on everything. If that's the most important thing, then I'm comfortable with the fact you won't vote for me."

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

I am going to read a list of people who might seek the Republican nomination for president in 2008, and I will read the list twice. I would like you to tell me who would be your first choice for the nomination.

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