Rudy Giuliani Watch: Rudy 26% Huckabee 18% McCain 13% Romney 12% Thompson 11% Paul 3% in Latest National GOP Poll

Republican presidential hopeful, Rudy Giuliani, greets members of the Retired New York City Police Organization 10-13 during a news conference at the Lido Beach Resort Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007 in Sarasota, Fla.

With the surge of polling support for Mike Huckabee, Mayor Rudy Giuliani continues to hold a 8 point lead in the national Ap-Ipsos GOP polls.

Although Rudy has seen poll numbers decreasing with the Huckabee boom, he has to be reassured in the second part of the choice above – his clear double digit lead in the first and second place choices.

Giuliani’s “Big State” strategy is predicated on maintaining a national poll lead particularly for fundraising support. With his apparent second or third place finishes in Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the Giuliani campaign must now marshall their resources in Florida (The “Firewall) and move to the big states, including California and Illinois.

The race continues to be fluid and indeed may be headed toward a protracted state by state and delegate by delegate campaign – Something although exciting for the public is not relished by the national GOP.

Stay tuned…….