Poll: Macker up in Va. Gov. Dem primary

The latest DailyKos/Research2000 released Thursday poll confirms what has been the dominant story line in the Virginia gubernatorial race for about a week: Terry McAuliffe is the frontrunner in the June 9 Democratic primary race while Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds have fallen behind.

McAuliffe earned 36 percent in the Democratic field, while Moran pulled 22 percent and Deeds, a state senator, garnered 13 percent.

Moran’s internal polling has undoubtedly showed the same thing, as the former Virginia delegate has gone on the attack. Earlier this week Moran aired radio ads seeking to use McAuliffe’s support for Hillary Clinton during last year’s presidential race against him.

The poll also found that all three candidates struggle against Republican Bob McDonnell in the general election. McDonell, a former state attorney general, beat McAuliffe 44 percent to 34 percent. He also defeated Moran by a 42 percent to 35 percent margin and Deeds by a similar margin.

jeremy.jacobs@digital-stage.thehill.com