Pennsylvanians prefer Giuliani and Clinton for President

by Damon Boughamer
Public Radio Capitol News, serving Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, Penna. (PRCN, 31 May 2007) - Republican Rudy Giuliani and Democrat Hillary Clinton are enjoying the most early support from Pennsylvanians looking ahead to the 2008 presidential primaries. That's according to new polls.

A Quinnipiac University survey of registered Democrats has Clinton in front of Al Gore and Barack Obama, 33 to 16 to 13.

Among Republicans, the clear preference is for Giuliani, who's the pick for 28% of potential primary voters.

It's a three-way tie for second place among John McCain and surging Fred Thompson and Mitt Romney, who check in at 11, 10 and 9 % respectively.

Pollster Clay Richards says the hypothetical November matchups favor Giuliani - except in one case.

"When it comes down to Giuliani versus Clinton, Mayor Giuliani is still ahead, 47-43, which is almost identical to last time. Giuliani beats Senator Obama 45 to 40. But Al Gore, all of a sudden - not running - is 45 to 44, barely over Giuliani," Richards says.

Gore and Thompson are not declared candidates.