Thompson passes Giuliani in polls
According to Rasmussen Reports, a reliable and reputable independent polling agency, former actor and Senator Fred Thompson has passed former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. In the latest poll, Thompson polled at 28% to Giuliani's 27%. While they were tied at 24% a week ago, that poll included former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich. Gingrich never formally declared, and after testing the waters, it appears clear he will not be making a run for the White House in 2008. The 7% Gingrich was pulling in the polls seems to have split 4-3 for Thompson. When independent voters who may vote in the GOP primary are not counted and the poll is limited to Republicans, Thompson leads Giuliani by a much more significant margin of 29% to 24%. http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/2008_republican_presidential_primary.
Giuliani's continued slide may soon be greatly exacerbated by the possible independent run of another New York City mayor - Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg recently left the Republican party but has repeatedly stated he is not considering a run for the Presidency. While Bloomberg would have no chance at winning, his departure from the Republican party, his personal fortune into the billions, and his unveiling of a national energy plan that far exceeds the scope of his duties as mayor suggest he is considering a run. Bloomberg has tried to position himself well with environmentalists, and has financed several environmentally friendly projects in New York lately by raising transit costs on tunnels and the subway. Because of his social values aligning closely with that of Giuliani, he would likely siphon more support from Giuliani than from Thompson, whose continued rise through the polls is likely a reflection of his platforms running in sync with traditional GOP principles.
