Giuliani Notes: Rudy 23% Thompson 17% Romney 15% McCain 14% in Latest Rasmussen National GOP Poll
Rasmussen Reports: 2008 Republican Presidential Primary
GOP Nomination: Rudy Down, Thompson in Second, McCain Falls to Fourth
With former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson taking his first formal steps towards a Presidential run and the immigration debate creating challenges for Arizona Senator John McCain, the race for the Republican Presidential nomination has an entirely different look this week.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R) remains on top, but his support has slipped to 23%. That’s down two points from a week ago and is his lowest level of support all year. Earlier, Giuliani had consistently enjoyed support in the mid-30s. That was before Thompson’s name was added to the mix and before Giuliani stumbled on the abortion issue in the first GOP debate of the season.
Thompson, who just formed an exploratory committee and is the newest face in the race, immediately moved into second place. With 17% support, he is within six points of the frontrunner. That’s closer than anybody has been to Giuliani in 20 consecutive weekly polls. Thompson is also competitive in a variety of general election match-ups with potential Democratic nominees.
The GOP NUTS:
Not a good week for Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and especially John McCain. Will Fred Thompson’s announcement be an opening “BUMP” or the beginning of an electoral trend?
Time will tell.
But, conventional wisdom has the race coalescing around three candidates with McCain, the early frontrunner, odd man OUT. Where will his supporters go?
Since Rudy and Romney have at least a $30-$40 million lead in fundraising will Thompson be able to force either of these candidates out of the race before February 5, 2008?
Doubtful
And who will show at the Ames Straw Poll – the earliest electoral test of a Presidential candidacy?
Probably only Romney and the second, third tier candidates. With Rudy and Thompson close in the polls with Romney third, why give Romney an opening which he can buy with funds and organization. The organization in Iowa which Rudy nor Thompson now do NOT possess and would be almost impossible to quickly fund.
Of course, McCain could withdraw and give his blessing and Iowa organization to Thompson.
Possible
Stay tuned…..
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