John McCain continues to hold a substantial lead over Barack Obama in Georgia. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state shows the presumptive Republican nominee attracting 53% of the vote while his Democratic rival earns support from 43%. One percent (1%) of voters would opt for former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr who is running as the Libertarian candidate for President. Three percent (3%) of voters are undecided.

A month ago, McCain enjoyed a similar ten-point lead, 51% to 41%. Rasmussen Reports has conducted four polls in the Peachtree State this year and McCain has led by double digits in all four. Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss appears to be in good shape for his re-election bid.

McCain is viewed favorably by 60% of Georgia voters, Obama by 47%.

The current survey found that up to 6% of Georgia voters might consider voting for Barr. Most of these are currently McCain voters. If all 6% voted for Barr, the race in Georgia might be competitive. However, unless McCain is clearly headed for defeat nationally, it is unlikely that Barr will make enough of an impact to threaten the Republican winning streak in the state.

George W. Bush won the Georgia twice by double digits. Bill Clinton narrowly carried the state in 1992 but lost it to Bob Dole in 1996. Rasmussen Markets data shows that McCain is currently given a % chance of winning Georgia’s fifteen Electoral College votes this fall. At the time this poll was released, Georgia was rated as “Likely Republican” in the Rasmussen Reports Balance of Power Calculator.

Forty-nine percent (49%) of Georgia voters say it’s more important to get the troops home from Iraq than it is to win the war. Forty-five percent (45%) hold the opposite view and say victory is more important. Those figures are little changed from a month ago.

Sixty-four percent (64%) say that offshore oil wells should be allowed while 25% of Georgia voters disagree. Those figures are similar to the national average.

George W. Bush won 58% of the Georgia vote in Election 2004 but today just 40% say he is doing a good or an excellent job as President.

This survey was conducted in partnership with Fox Television Stations Inc.

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