New York Senator Hillary Clinton (D) and former House Speaker (R) Newt Gingrich both came to national attention in the early 1990s and are two of the most polarizing political figures in the nation. If the two of them succeed in getting their party’s Presidential nomination in 2008, the former First Lady would come out on top. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone poll finds that Clinton would attract 50% of the vote while Gingrich would earn 43%. Those numbers are little changed since our last poll on a Clinton-Gingrich contest. In November, Clinton led 50%-41%.

Gingrich also trails Al Gore, another politician who came to fame when Bill Clinton entered the White House with his victory in 1992. Gore holds an 11-point edge over Gingrich, 51% - 40%. That’s a little closer than the 16-point gap found in our December poll.

Gingrich, Clinton, and Gore all earn strong partisan support in these match-ups. Gore enjoys a bigger lead over Gingrich because he does better among unaffiliated voters. Gingrich and Clinton are essentially tied among the unaffiliateds.

Gingrich is viewed favorably by 43% of voters and unfavorably by 48%. Those figures are a slight improvement from a 39% favorable rating in November. The former Speaker is viewed as politically conservative by 59% of voters.

Clinton is viewed favorably by 50% and unfavorably by 48%. She is seen as politically liberal by 52% of voters.

For Gore, the numbers are 50% favorable, 47% unfavorable, and 50% liberal.

Clinton is the frontrunner for the Democratic Presidential nomination while Gore is in fourth place. The former Vice President has not indicated that he is running for the White House at this time. See a summary of the favorables for all Democratic candidates.

Gingrich is in third place among Republicans seeking their party nomination. He trails former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arizona Senator John McCain. See a summary of the favorables for all GOP candidates.

Crosstabs and Historical Data available for Premium Members only.