In the Texas Republican Presidential Primary, John McCain leads Mike Huckabee 46% to 37%. Ron Paul picks up 8% of the vote while 9% are not sure. Those figures are little changed from a week ago. In contrast, the Democratic Presidential Primary in the Lone Star State has changed significantly with Barack Obama closing to within three points of Hillary Clinton.

McCain is viewed favorably by 67% of Likely Republican Primary Voters while Huckabee earns positive reviews from 64%. Paul is viewed favorably by 26% and unfavorably by 66%. Eighty percent (80%) believe McCain is at least somewhat likely to win the White House if nominated. That figure includes 39% who believe he is Very Likely to win it all in November.

Twenty-six percent (26%) say the economy is the top issue in the race while 25% name immigration and 21% say it’s national security. Huckabee leads McCain by fourteen percentage points among those who consider immigration the top issue. McCain leads handily among all others.

The Rasmussen Reports Balance of Power Calculator shows that the GOP starts out the general election cycle trailing the Democrats in the Electoral College. As for the popular vote, Obama leads McCain and McCain leads Clinton in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

Rasmussen Markets data now shows McCain with a % chance to win the nomination and Huckabee has a % chance. On the Democratic side, the Markets give Obama a % chance to win the Democratic nomination while expectations for a Clinton victory are at %. Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. Using a trading format where traders "buy and sell" candidates, issues, and news features, the Rasmussen Markets harness competitive passions to provide a reliable leading indicator of upcoming events. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom of the market.

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