Former North Carolina Senator John Edwards (D) is struggling in the race for his party’s Presidential nomination, but he holds a solid lead over several leading Republican candidates in general election match-ups.

Data released today shows that Edwards leads former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (R) by seven percentage points, 45% to 38%. Given that choice, 11% of voters say they’d opt for some other candidate while 6% say they’re not sure. Edwards also leads Arizona Senator John McCain (R) by sixteen points, 52% to 36%.

Earlier releases showed Edwards leading former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson (R) by nine and tied with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R).

During the past week, Edwards has tried to focus attention on the issue of poverty. Fifty-six percent (56%) say the government is doing too little to combat poverty.

For Romney, the current poll reflects an improvement over the past month. In June, he trailed Edwards by 18. McCain has moved slightly in the opposite direction. He trailed Edwards by 13 a month ago. Romney and McCain are fighting for third place among those seeking the GOP nomination.

Edwards is now viewed favorably by 47% of Americans and unfavorably by 46%. That’s a decline from 52% favorable at the end of June and reflects the lowest ratings for Edwards in fifteen surveys conducted since Election 2006. Edwards is viewed favorably by 64% of Democrats and 71% of those who are politically liberal.

Romney is viewed favorably by 37% and unfavorably by 43%. For McCain, the numbers are 44% favorable and 46% unfavorable.

General election match-ups, favorability ratings, and ideological perceptions are regularly updated for all Republican and Democratic Presidential candidates. Also, favorability rating are updated regularly key Members of Congress, Journalists and Other Political Figures.

The Rasmussen Reports Election 2008 Presidential Tracking Poll is updated daily, Monday through Friday. New results are posted each day by noon Eastern for the Republican and Democratic Presidential Nomination competitions along with general election match-ups, state polls, and information on the issues that drive the campaign.

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