The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely Washington state voters finds John McCain and Barack Obama essentially tied in a general election match-up. McCain leads Obama 45% to 44%.

McCain tops Hillary Clinton 48% to 40% in the Evergreen State.

McCain also has a modest lead over both Democrats nationally in the Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll.

In Washington, Obama leads McCain among female voters 46% to 41% but trails him 50% to 42% among men. McCain holds a nineteen-point lead over Clinton among men, but the two are essentially even among women.

McCain leads both Democrats among unaffiliated voters in Washington. He leads Obama 44% to 41% and Clinton 49% to 35%.

McCain is viewed favorably by 59% of voters in the state and unfavorably by 39%. Obama earns positive reviews from 55% and negative feedback from 43%. Clinton is viewed favorably by 44% and unfavorably by 54%.

With the release of this poll, Washington will shift from Safe Democrat to Likely Democrat in the Rasmussen Reports Balance of Power Calculator. The calculator factors in poll results, results from Rasmussen Markets, voting history, and other factors to determine a state’s rating.

Rasmussen Markets data shows that Democrats are strongly favored to win Washington’s 11 Electoral College votes (current prices: Democrat % Republican %). Among Democrats, the Markets give Obama a % chance to win the Democratic 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.

Like the rest of the country, the economy is the top issue in Washington. While 32% choose it as the most important issue in the upcoming election, the War in Iraq is the most important for 22%. National Security comes in at a distant third with 12% who see it as the top issue.

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