In states holding Primaries or Caucuses on February 5, the races for the Republican and Democratic Presidential nominations look broadly similar to the competition on a national level.

Data from the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll shows New York Senator Hillary Clinton attracting 41% of the vote in the twenty Super Tuesday states. Illinois Senator Barack Obama trails Clinton with support from 23% of Likely Primary Voters in those twenty states while John Edwards is the top choice for 14%. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is preferred by 5% while Delaware Senator Joe Biden attracts 3% support.

In the race for the Republican Presidential nomination, Rudy Giuliani attracts 27% in the February 5 states and holds a double digit lead. Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thomson and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee are tied for second with 14% support. Arizona Senator John McCain is close behind at 11% while former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney earns the vote from 10% of Likely Primary Voters in these states. Texas Congressman Ron Paul is supported by 4%.

These results are based upon survey interviews conducted for the two weeks ending November 21. Voter preferences in the February 5 states may shift dramatically based upon what happens in the early voting states.

The first voting in Election 2008 will take place in Iowa on January 3. Currently, polling in that state shows a marked difference from the national numbers. Among Democrats in Iowa, there is a virtual tie among Clinton, Edwards, and Obama. Clinton leads in New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Florida. But, the Sunshine State is the only early voting state where her lead matches her dominance in the national polls.

Among Iowa Republicans, Romney has the lead. While he struggles in the national polls and the February 5 states, Romney also leads in New Hampshire and is tied for the lead in South Carolina. Giuliani leads in Florida.

Results cited in this article represent a combined total for the Super Tuesday states. Sample sizes for individual states are too small for detailed analysis.

States participating in the February 5 festivities include Alabama, Alaska (caucuses), Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado (caucuses), Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho (Dem primary), Illinois, Minnesota (caucuses), Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico (Dem caucuses), New York, North Dakota (caucuses), Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah.