For many pundits, the biggest surprise so far in Election 2008 has been Rudy Giuliani’s ability to remain on top in the race for the Republican Presidential nomination. Giuliani is running for the nomination of a conservative leaning political party, but 68% of Republicans view the New Yorker as politically moderate or liberal.

While many pundits assumed that ideological disconnect might doom Giuliani’s campaign, a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey helps explain his appeal to Republicans. In a word, he is currently seen as the most electable candidate.

Seventy-two percent (72%) of Republicans believe that if Giuliani wins the nomination, he is at least somewhat likely to win the White House. Only 57% have that much confidence in victory if Fred Thompson wins the GOP nomination. Fifty-five percent (55%) say that if Mitt Romney is nominated, he is at least somewhat likely to win it all.

Thirty-one percent (31%) say Giuliani is Very Likely to win if nominated. Twenty-six percent (26%) say the same about Thompson. Only 15% believe that Romney is Very Likely to win if he becomes the GOP candidate.

Among all voters, 49% say Giuliani is likely to win if nominated. Thirty-six percent (36%) of all voters say the same about both Thompson and Romney. Voters believe that the leading Democratic candidates are more likely to win it all.

The survey was conducted in partnership with Fox Television Stations, Inc.

In the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll, Giuliani and Thompson remain the top contenders while Romney is consistently in third place.

Today, Rasmussen Reports released polls matching the leading Republican candidates against Hillary Clinton in Virginia, Minnesota, and Massachusetts. New Senate race polls for Virginia and Minnesota.

Rasmussen Reports has also released Election 2008 state polling results in Pennsylvania, Missouri, Ohio, Florida, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Michigan, Oregon, Colorado, New Hampshire, New York and Illinois.

In Primary Polls, Clinton leads all Democrats in New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida.

The Republican Primary picture is more muddled. Romney leads in New Hampshire, Thompson leads in South Carolina, and Giuliani is on top in Florida.

Crosstabs available for Premium Members only.