IOWA CITY - The latest University of Iowa Hawkeye poll is out. And it shows a clear front runner among the republican candidates for president. Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney has a strong lead with support from 36.2 percent of likely caucus goers. Rudy Giuliani is second with 13.1 percent. Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee has 12.8 percent. Fred Thompson is in fourth with 11.4 percent.

The race is much tighter on the democratic side. New York senator Hillary Clinton holds a slight advantage over Illinois senator Barack Obama and John Edwards. The numbers are 28.9 percent, 26.6 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

The University of Iowa Hawkeye poll sought out Iowans who are likely to take part in the January 3rd caucuses. There was one clear cut answer from the republicans. Romney is the man. Associate professor of political science Caroline Tolbert said, “Across all these demographics, young and old, men and women, low education and high education, he appears to be winning."

Romney does not have as strong a lead with evangelical Christians. That leaves room for Huckabee, but it might just be an outside shot. Social Science Research Center Director Kevin Leicht said, “I had suspicions Romney was ahead, but I didn't realize how far he seemed to be ahead."

While Romney seems to have a commanding lead with the GOP, it is a completely different story with the democrats. Tolbert said, “I think the most fascinating result from our perspective was the increase (Barack) Obama had since our August poll."

An Obama upsurge and a sharp decline from John Edwards have forced the democrats into a three-horse race. Senator Hillary Clinton is still leading, but she is well within the margin of error. Questions for the trailing democrats: Can Obama get his young base to caucus? Will Edwards' base of traditional caucus-goers overcome his slide? Leicht said, “There is nothing we've said that would lead a candidate to think, 'I should give up here and move on.'"

According to the poll, the most important issues for democrats are the Iraq war, health care and the economy. For republicans, the top three are terrorism, the economy, and health care.

Email Steve Nicoles at Steve.Nicoles@kcrg.com