Allen and Webb in Virtual Tie, Post Poll Says
Northern Virginia Voters' Views Differ From Rest of Commonwealth
By Robert Barnes and Michael D. Shear
Washington Post Staff Writers
Sunday, October 15, 2006; Page A01
Virginia Sen. George Allen (R) and Democratic challenger James Webb are virtually tied in a race that could shift the balance of power in Washington and which reinforces the differences between Northern Virginia and the rest of the commonwealth, according to a new Washington Post poll.
Allen gets 49 percent, compared with 47 percent for Webb, within the 3 percentage point margin of error for the poll conducted over three days last week. With few respondents saying they are undecided and most seemingly locked in for their candidate, the poll indicates that the candidates' strategies for turning out supporters will be vital and that changes in the national political climate could tilt the outcome.
Virginia Sen. George Allen (R) is seeking a second term, running against former Navy secretary James Webb (D) and independent candidate Gail Parker. Allen's once sizable lead has been whittled away as he and Webb have battled over Iraq, character and race, especially in the Washington suburbs.
President Bush's approval rating among Virginians who say they are likely to vote is about the same as it is nationally. But fewer people in the state say their feelings about Bush will influence their Senate vote, compared with the number in a national poll. And in a sign that the greater Democratic enthusiasm seen nationally is also evident in Virginia, the poll finds that fewer of those who say they are certain to vote Nov. 7 identify themselves as Republicans than a year ago.
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/14/AR2006101401128.html
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