George W. Bush won Kentucky’s Electoral College votes by twenty percentage points in Election 2004 and fifteen points in Election 2000. But, the race for the state’s eight Electoral College Votes might be more competitive in 2008. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey shows former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani leading New York Senator Hillary Clinton by just six percentage points, 47% to 41%. It’s even closer with former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson in the mix. Thompson currently attracts 44% of the vote while 43% prefer Clinton (see crosstabs).

These numbers reflect a challenging political environment for the GOP in Kentucky. Incumbent Republican Governor Ernie Fletcher appears to be heading for a double digit defeat in his bid for re-election, incumbent Republican Senator Mitch McConnell is below the 50% level of support in his bid for re-election, and just 36% of Kentucky voters give President Bush good or excellent ratings for his performance in office. That 36% positive rating is a big drop from the 60% vote total earned by the President in Election 2004. Forty-six percent (46%) of Kentucky voters now say the President is doing a poor job.

As for the 2008 contenders, Giuliani is viewed favorably by 54% of Kentucky voters and unfavorably by 38%. Clinton earns positive reviews from 48% and negative ratings from 47%. For Thompson, the numbers are 47% favorable and 38% unfavorable.

Seventy-five percent (75%) of Kentucky voters say it is Very Important for the government to improve enforcement of the borders and reduce illegal immigration. Another 15% say that goal is Somewhat Important.

Just 26% of voters believe it is Very Important to legalize the status of illegal immigrants already living in the United States.

Eighty percent (80%) of Kentucky voters believe that if a police officer pulls someone over, they should automatically check to see if that person is in the United States legally. If it turns out that the person is not in the country legally, 66% of Kentucky voters want the illegal immigrant deported. Just 24% say that requiring officers to check for immigration status creates a temptation to discriminate.

Finally, just 9% of Kentucky voters believe that undocumented immigrants should be allowed to get a drivers’ license. Eighty percent (80%) are opposed.

Clinton leads the race for the Democratic Presidential nomination with leads in national polls, Iowa, and New Hampshire. In general election match-ups, Clinton is currently competitive in a number of Southern states including Virginia, Tennessee, and Arkansas.

Giuliani leads in national polling for the Republican nomination while Mitt Romney leads in Iowa and New Hampshire. Fred Thompson has been running second in the national polls, second in Iowa, and is seen as the most conservative candidate in the Republican field.

See survey questions and top-line results. Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.