Rudy Giuliani has edged Fred Thompson

Giuliani edges Thompson in state GOP straw poll

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Rudy Giuliani has edged Fred Thompson in an informal Washington state Republican "straw poll" for the GOP presidential nomination.

The former New York City mayor drew about 27 percent of the vote at the annual state party dinner Wednesday night. Thompson, the actor and former senator, was close behind at 23 percent. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney was third at 17 percent and Ron Paul and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee also were in double digits. Arizona Sen. John McCain, who did well here eight years ago, barely registered.

State GOP Chairman Luke Esser announced the results. He says the dinner attracted a record 663 guests, including potential gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi.