(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - There is no clear leader in the national race for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination in the United States, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 21 per cent of respondents would vote for former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee in a 2008 primary, while 20 per cent would back former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is third with 13 per cent, followed by actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson with 11 per cent, and Arizona senator John McCain also with 11 per cent. Support is lower for Texas congressman Ron Paul, Colorado congressman Tom Tancredo, and California congressman Duncan Hunter.

Earlier this month, Huckabee’s campaign launched a television ad, which discusses immigration policies. In the spot, Huckabee declares: "We need to make it clear that we will say no to amnesty and no to sanctuary cities. Our borders have to be secured—no amnesty. And our government has failed us. Build a border fence. Secure the border, and do it now."

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

Republican Presidential Primary Contenders

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with approximately 1,100 likely Republican primary voters, conducted from Dec. 3 to Dec. 9, 2007. Margin of error is 3 per cent.

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