Friday, April 25, 2008

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The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in Massachusetts finds both potential democratic presidential candidates ahead of John McCain by double-digits. Hillary Clinton leads the Republican 55% to 36%, while Obama leads 51% to 39%.

Both races are close among male voters in the Bay State and both Democrats enjoy wide leads among women.

Among voters not affiliated with either major political party, Clinton leads McCain by four points, while McCain is ahead of Obama by five.

Historically, Massachusetts has been among the most reliable states for the Democrats. The last time a Republican candidate won in the Bay State was in 1984, when Ronald Reagan who pulled off a 3-point win in Massachusetts en route to a 49-state victory. Other than Reagan, no Republican candidate has won in the state since 1956. In 1972, Massachusetts was the only state to vote for George McGovern.

All three candidates are popular in the state. Obama is viewed favorably by 59%, Clinton by 58%, and McCain by 57%.

Nearly half (49%) of Massachusetts voters choose the economy as the most important electoral issue. The War in Iraq comes in a distant second with 24% who think that is the most pressing issue. Nationally, the Rasmussen Consumer Index shows consumer confidence has been at the lowest levels ever recorded.

Just 34% of Massachusetts voters think McCain should select former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney as his running mate. Forty-three percent (43%) disagree. Nearly half (48%) of voters say they would be less likely to vote for McCain if Romney was on the ticket. Just 27% would be more likely to vote for the senator, while 22% said it would have no impact on their vote.

If Obama is elected President, most voters (59%) say that it is likely that Deval Patrick will resign as Governor and join the Obama administration. Just 24% say that is not likely.

The survey also found that the overwhelming majority of Massachusetts voters think relations between white and black Americans is better today than it was in the 1960’s. The majority also believes that those relations are getting better. Just 12% of voters say they have personally witnessed racial discrimination recently. However, 43% of voters say there is more discrimination against African-Americans than against women.

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