In May polling, Giuliani tops the field of GOP hopefuls

In May polling, Giuliani tops the field of GOP hopefuls
By Susan Milligan, Globe Staff | June 28, 2007

WASHINGTON -- Republicans overwhelmingly want Ronald Reagan. But for the moment, they'll take Rudy Giuliani.

A comprehensive poll of 2,000 Republicans unveiled yesterday portrays a party in search of a leader, with the overwhelming majority hoping for someone like the former president. But when faced with the slate of 10 announced GOP candidates and two other potential contenders, those surveyed favored former New York mayor Giuliani across the board, with even so-called "moralists" preferring the candidate who has drawn fire from conservatives because of his divorces and his support of abortion rights.

"Giuliani is universally known to all Republicans," and scores high on leadership qualities among primary voters, said Tony Fabrizio, the GOP pollster who directed the comprehensive study. Among a 12-man field, Giuliani drew 30 percent support, followed by Arizona Senator John McCain with 17 percent, former senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee with 15 percent. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney and former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who has not announced a run, received 9 percent each.

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www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2007/06/28/in_may_polling_giuliani_tops_the_field_of_gop_hopefuls



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