Public Policy Polling released a poll yesterday that has former Gov. Tim Kaine leading former Gov. George Allen 46-45 in what promises to be a close and interesting U.S. Senate election.
The poll also shows that Allen leads his closest Republican rival, Bob Marshall, 66% to 8%. Jamie Radtke fairs worse at 3%; EW Jackson is at 2%. 20% of voters are undecided.
PPP writes:
“The angle Allen’s opponents seem to be trying to pursue is that the GOP needs a more conservative candidate but he actually gets his strongest support- 75%- from those describing themselves as ‘very conservative.’ He’s very strong with that wing of his party. Allen’s overall favorability with primary voters is 65/17, so there really just isn’t much desire there for an alternative to him.”
Looking back at the December poll, the primary numbers have not effectively changed, even with Marshall’s entry into the race. PPP found Allen at 67% then.
But back to Kaine v. Allen. According to PPP, Virginia is now a blue state.
In their survey, PPP said that there are more Democrats in the state than Republicans…7 percentage points more, in fact. So, the mere fact that Allen can be within one point and the margin of error is pretty telling. He’s even winning among Independents by +2.
Additionally, this same polling firm had Allen down five points of Kaine in December…so the trend is good for Gov. Allen.
Related articles
- Kaine, Allen tied in Virginia Senate race (examiner.com)
- Top Senate races: Va., Mass. lead list (politico.com)
