National Journal: Daily Kos Poll Finds McDonnell's Favorables "Obamaesque"

Liberal Blog-Commissioned Survey Pegs McDonnell at 53-percent Favorability Rating

RICHMOND - A new scientific poll commissioned by the liberal website The Daily Kos and Research 2000 showed Republican candidate for governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell with an impressive 53-percent favorable rating, prompting the respected publication National Journal to call the number "Obamaesque." The poll, conducted from May 18-20, 2009, also gave McDonnell a head-to-head lead over each of the three Democratic candidates for governor.

Link: Poll: McDonnell Has Obamaesque Favorable Ratings

Link: Daily Kos/Research 2000 Poll

A total of 53-percent of respondents said they viewed McDonnell either very favorably or favorably. Just 37-percent said the same of Terry McAuliffe, while both Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds met with the approval of 35-percent. The poll also found the three Democrats upside down in the favorability battle: McAuliffe was a net -3 (37 favorable, 40 unfavorable) with Deeds and Moran both net -1 (35/36). McDonnell was a staggering +20, with 53 favorable and only 33 unfavorable.

McDonnell also fared well in head-to-head matchups in the poll. McDonnell bested McAuliffe by 44-34, Moran by 42-35 and Deeds by 45-32.

"If this is what millions of dollars in negative television ads did to Bob McDonnell, then I encourage the Democrats and their labor union pals to spend even more," said Republican Party of Virginia Chairman Pat Mullins. "Not even the most liberal website on the Internet is able to avoid the truth: Bob McDonnell's positive campaign is good for Virginia and has momentum."

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