Poll Finds Giuliani Would Beat Clinton, But Would Lose Against Obama

October 31, 2007 10:50 p.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - A new poll finds that the leading Republican candidate would win a razor thin victory over his leading Democratic counterpart, but would lose to the party's second place choice.

A new Quinnipiac University national survey finds that former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani would win against Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) if the pair faced off today, 45 percent to 43. However, if Giuliani faces Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), who's running a distant second place in most national polls, he would lose to the senator 43 percent to 42.

According to the poll, Clinton led Giuliani by 3 percent in August, showing the race remains tight, but may have shifted in the Republican's favor.

"Sen. Clinton's success on the campaign trail and the perception that she is unstoppable has made her the prime target for all the other candidates, Republican and Democratic. And the wounds are showing," Quinnipiac University Polling Institute Director Maurice Carroll said. "The Clinton Express has hit a bump. Future polls will show if it's been derailed."

"Very bad news for Republicans; most Americans think President Bush's poor standing in the polls will make it hard for any Republican to be elected President. Even Republicans split 48 - 48 percent on this one. Congress isn't doing so hot in polls either. But most Democrats - and even a majority of Republicans - doubt that will taint their presidential candidate," Carroll said.

In other match ups, Clinton would tie Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) at 44 percent; Clinton would easily beat former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, 48 percent to 38. On the other hand, Giuliani would beat former North Carolina Sen. John Edwards 44 percent to 41.