A new Rasmussen Reports Election 2008 survey shows Democratic Governor Bill Richardson trailing former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani by just four points, 43% to 39%. He lags Senator John McCain by five points, 43% to 38%.

Richardson has improved significantly against both candidates over the past several months. In April, Giuliani was leading Richardson by 17 percentage points, 51% to 34%. In late February, Richardson trailed McCain by nine points, 36% to 45%.

Richardson's competitive showing is as much a function of soft support for the leading GOP candidates as his own viability as a runner-up Democratic candidate. At least 18% in each match-up are undecided or prefer a third party options.

Mayor Giuliani is favorably viewed by 63% of all voters, including 82% of Republicans; unfavorably by 32%. McCain is viewed favorably 51%, unfavorably by 42%.

Richardson, still an unknown quantity to about a quarter of respondents, is viewed favorably by 31%, unfavorably by 42%.

Just a couple days before Rasmussen Reports conducted the present survey, Governor Richardson appeared on "Meet the Press," clashing with Tim Russert on gun control and other issues. Richardson indicated that he opposes gun control but supports instant background checks.

Rasmussen Reports continuously updates favorability ratings and general election match-ups for all Democratic and Republican candidates. Also available are continuously updated ratings for Members of Congress, Other Political Figures, and Journalists

A recent tracking survey found that voters trust Democrats more than Republicans on ten key issues including taxes and national security. Democrats continue to lead on the Generic Congressional Ballot but their lead is smaller than a month ago.

Rasmussen Reports releases updated polling data for the Democrats’ nominating contest are updated on Mondays. Republican results are updated every each Tuesday

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