The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in Massachusetts shows Hillary Clinton leading John McCain 54% to 39%. However, if Barack Obama is the Democratic nominee, the race is more competitive—Obama 49% McCain 42%.

All three candidates receive favorable reviews from Bay State voters. Clinton and McCain are each viewed favorably by 59%, Obama by 57%.

Over the past month, McCain has gained ground in Ohio, Michigan, Colorado, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Both Democrats continue to lead in New York, Connecticut and California (see summary of recent state general election polling).

Forty-seven percent (47%) of Massachusetts voters name the economy as the top voting issue of Election 2008. Just 10% rate the U.S. economy as good or excellent. Forty-one percent (41%) say it’s in fair shape while 47% say poor. Nationally, the Rasmussen Consumer Index shows that consumer confidence has fallen to the lowest level in seven years. A staggeringly low 3% of Massachusetts voters believe the economy is getting better while 80% say it is getting worse.

Forty-four percent (44%) believe the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror while 23% believe the terrorists are winning. Those figures are very close to the national average. Massachusetts voters are evenly divided as to whether things will get better or worse in Iraq.

Sixty-five percent (65%) of Massachusetts voters believe that American society is generally fair and decent. Twenty-two percent (22%) believe society is unfair and discriminatory.

Just 22% believe that George W. Bush is doing a good or excellent job as President. Sixty-one percent (61%) say he is doing a poor job.

Governor Deval Patrick earns good or excellent marks from 38% while 22% say he is doing a poor job.

Scott Rasmussen recently discussed the race for the White House, the impact of Pastor Jeremiah Wright’s comments, and more with WFXT-TV in Boston.

Massachusetts is currently considered a Safe Democratic state 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.

Rasmussen Markets data shows Democrats are heavily favored to win Massachusetts at this time (current pricing: Democrats % Republicans %). 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.

See survey questions and toplines. Crosstabs are available for Premium Members.