The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of New Jersey likely Republican primary voters found John McCain with a fourteen-point lead over Mitt Romney, with no other candidates coming close. The survey was conducted the night following former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s official exit from the Presidential race.

McCain leads Romney 43% to 29% in the Garden State, with Mike Huckabee in a distant third with 7% and Ron Paul with 6%. Another 9% would choose some other candidate, while 5% are not sure. (see crosstabs)

A mid-January poll of this race surprised many as McCain came in two points ahead of Giuliani in New York’s neighboring state. Romney has picked up nineteen percentage points since that earlier survey.

McCain attracted votes from 62% of voters who consider themselves moderate. Conservatives were evenly divided, with 36% going to McCain and 38% choosing Romney.

McCain is seen as the most electable candidate, with 78% of voters polling that the former Arizona senator is at least somewhat likely to win the Republican nomination. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of voters believe Romney has at least somewhat of a chance to win the nomination.

Rasmussen Markets data following the candidate’s debate on Wednesday suggested that McCain had an 83% chance of winning the Republican Presidential nomination (current pricing: %). See a summary of market data for the GOP Super Tuesday Primaries and the latest Rasmussen Reports Super Tuesday polls.

While market data suggests McCain is the overwhelming favorite for the nomination, the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll shows a close race between the two frontrunners. The coming days will begin the measure the race without Giuliani. A Rasmussen Reports analysis notes that the McCain’s circuitous path to the nomination has left him better off than his original frontrunner strategy.

Among New Jersey voters, 37% of voters feel the economy is the most important issue to consider in the upcoming presidential election. The War in Iraq comes in second with 18% and national security is the most important issue for 16% of voters.

However, 53% would rather have a president who can address national security, while 34% want a president who can address economic issues.

Crosstabs are available to Premium Members only.