Sometimes a poll just speaks for itself
Democrat Mark Warner has widened his lead against Republican Jim Gilmore in the race for Virginia’s senate seat. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey shows Warner earning 60% of the vote while Gilmore attracts 33%.
Last month, Warner enjoyed an eighteen-point lead. This represents the sixth consecutive survey to find Warner leading by double-digits, as well as his strongest lead to date. Before falling back in this survey, Gilmore had consistently polled between 37% and 39% percent. Rasmussen Markets data gives Warner an 89.9% chance of winning this race in November (results updated on a 24/7 basis by market participants).
Warner’s favorability ratings have also improved. The Democrat is viewed favorably by 70% of Virginia voters and unfavorably by 24%. Gilmore’s numbers are 46% favorable, 42% unfavorable.
I cannot recall a time when a Senate candidate lifted the rest of the ticket, but with numbers like those, you have to wonder what kind of impact he may have on the presidential, VA-11 and VA-02 elections. How blue can VA get?
It has been safe to say for a while now that this seat is a for sure Democrat pickup, Warner is up by 25% in the polls and has like 4 million more cash than Gilmore.
The question is who will win the president race here.
Obama in real clear politics polls is currently tied with McCain (that is even using polls before he won the Dem nomination).
I think Obama will experience some down ticket coattails, from Warner. Obama when he Campaigns in VA needs to get Warner to introduce him, and such. I think Obama could have this state easy if he can get Warner, Kaine and Webb to campaign for him.
Virginia: M. Warner vs. J. Gilmore <– this is looking more and more like a D wipe.