The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in Georgia found that John McCain has a solid lead over both potential Democratic candidates. McCain leads Barack Obama 53% to 40% and Hillary Clinton 54% to 34%.

In both match-ups, McCain earns support from 50% of women. Clinton earns support from 38% of women and 29% of men when matched against McCain. Obama is chosen by 46% of women and 33% of men.

Against Clinton, McCain leads 56% to 30% among unaffiliated voters. When matched with Obama, the Republican leads 48% to 38% among the Peach State’s unaffiliated voters.

McCain is viewed favorably by 64% of Georgia voters and unfavorably by 33%. Clinton earns positive reviews from 41% and negative feedback from 57%. Obama’s numbers in Georgia are 45% favorable and 53% favorable.

When it comes to the upcoming election, the economy is the most important issue for 45% of Georgia voters. Just 15% of voters rate the economy good or excellent, while 42% give it a poor rating. Seventy-one percent (71%) of voters say the U.S. economy is getting worse, while just 11% say it is getting better. Nationally, consumer and investor confidence has fallen to the lowest level of the past seven years.

The War in Iraq is the most important issue for 16% of Georgia voters. Nearly half (46%) of voters say the situation in Iraq will get better in the next six months. Twenty-seven percent (27%) disagree and say the situation will worsen, while 21% believe it will stay the same. Over half (55%) say the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror. A fifth (20%) of those surveyed believes the terrorists are winning. Those figures are close to the national average.

Sixty-four percent (64%) of Georgia voters think American society is fair and decent, while 29% say it is unfair and discriminatory.

Forty-three percent (43%) give George W. Bush a good or excellent rating. Another 43% give him a poor rating.

Georgia is rated Safe Republican in the Rasmussen Reports Balance of Power Calculator. This Calculator aggregates data from a variety of sources to provide a comprehensive assessment of the state-by-state race for the White House. Data inputs include the latest Rasmussen Reports poll in a state, an average of the latest polling from other firms, Rasmussen Markets data, Intrade market data, the aggregated rankings of selected analysts, the state’s voting history, and national party identification trends.

Over the past month, McCain has gained ground in Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Both Democrats continue to lead in New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut and California (see summary of recent state general election polling). A recent Rasmussen Reports analysis looks at one of the reasons for McCain’s recent gains--the impact of Pastor Wright and Obama’s speech.

Rasmussen Markets data suggests that Republicans are heavily favored to win Georgia’s Electoral College Votes this November (current prices: Republican % Democrat %). Market results suggest that Obama has a % chance of becoming the next President of the United States. Expectation for McCain are at %. Among Democrats, the Markets give Obama a % chance to win the nomination while expectations for a Clinton victory are at %. Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. Using a trading format where traders "buy and sell" candidates, issues, and news features, the Rasmussen Markets harness competitive passions to provide a reliable leading indicator of upcoming events. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom of the market.

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