Poll: McDonnell Leads Va. Gov Race

Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell (R) leads all his potential Democratic rivals for Virginia governor in 2009, according to a new poll.

The Rasmussen Reports survey, conducted on Thursday, found that McDonnell leads former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, former Virginia Delegate Brian Moran (D) and state Sen. Creigh Deeds head to head.

McDonnell 39%
Deeds 30%
Other 6%
Not sure 25%

McDonnell 39%
Moran 36%
Other 4%
Not sure 21%

McDonnell 42%
McAuliffe 35%
Other 3%
Not sure 20%

McDonnell also had the highest favorable ratings of the field. Fifty percent of respondents viewed him favorably, while 18 percent had an unfavorable view and 32 percent were unsure.

Thirty percent viewed Deeds favorably, compared to 29 percent who had a unfavorable view and 41 percent that were unsure.

Meanwhile, more respondents viewed Moran and McAuliffe unfavorably than favorably. Thirty-three percent had an unfavorable view of Moran, compared to 32 percent that had a favorable view. Thirty-five percent had no opinion.

Similarly, 39 percent had an unfavorable view of McAuliffe while 34 percent viewed him favorably and 27 percent had no opinion.

There was a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percent in the survey of 500 likely voters. Check out the toplines here.