The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely GOP primary voters in Massachusetts found former Bay State Governor Mitt Romney crushing the competition with 55% of the vote. John McCain finished in a distant second with 23%, with no other candidates coming close.

The survey was conducted before Rudy Giuliani’s official exit from the race. The former New York City Mayor tied Mike Huckabee in the Bay State, attracting 8% of votes. Ron Paul attracts 4% of voters, while 2% would vote for some other candidate and 2% are not sure.

Though Romney is clearly the frontrunner in his home state primary, an early December survey shows the former governor does not fair so well against Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. In a head to head match-up, Clinton came in on top 51% to 35%.

Romney earns positive favorability ratings from 78% of Republican voters in Massachusetts. McCain is viewed favorably by 63% of voters.

Romney receives the most support from conservatives, with 63% choosing the former governor. He is also supported by 42% of Republican moderates in Massachusetts.

A recent poll found McCain beating Romney in the neighboring state of Connecticut 42% to 26%. The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll shows the two candidates in a very tight national race.

Seventy-seven percent (77%) of voters believe that Mitt Romney is at least somewhat likely to win the election if nominated. McCain is right behind with 73% who feel he is at least somewhat likely to win the presidency if nominated by the Republican Party.

When it comes to issues in the upcoming election, 41% of Massachusetts voters say the economy is the most important. Immigration is second with 25% and the War in Iraq is third with 13%.

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