Des Moines Register Poll Foresees Tight Race

By: Paul Lim
College Press Staff Writer

Iowa voters will be making a difference today, helping shape who the national parties will choose as their candidates for the 2008 Presidential race.  Recent shake-ups and voting trends are showing a tight race for some, and disappointment for others.

On the Democratic side, a resurgence of Independent voters and strong campaigning of the ever-sought after Independent vote helped move Senator Barack Obama (IL) past long-running favorite Senator Hillary Clinton (NY).  Also, as the constant dark horse, former Senator John Edwards still lurks in the polls as a possible spoiler.

With Republicans, the Mike Huckabee (AR) surge is still making its mark.  That, along with stagnant poll numbers for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney (MA), has catapulted the former Arkansas Governor atop recent polls.  Much-hyped candidates like former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson have fizzled.  Giuliani’s low poll numbers can be blamed on a lack of campaigning, while Thompson just started a little too late.

The Republicans have their own dark horse, Senator John McCain (AZ).  McCain was a legitimate candidate from the get-go; he faltered throughout 2007, and has since seen a rejuvenation in his campaign.  McCain may be one to watch, especially after The Des Moines Register endorsement.

DEMOCRATS:

Barack Obama, 32 percent
Hillary Clinton, 25 percent
John Edwards, 24 percent
Bill Richardson, 6 percent

REPUBLICANS:

Mike Huckabee, 32 percent
Mitt Romney, 26 percent
John McCain, 13 percent
Fred Thompson, 9 percent
Ron Paul, 9 percent
Rudy Giuliani, 5 percent