McDonnell Opens Gap Over Deeds in Virginia; Republicans Look for Statewide Sweep

SALEM, Va., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob
McDonnell has opened a 17-point lead (53%-36%) over Democratic nominee Creigh
Deeds in a poll conducted by The Center for Community Research at Roanoke
College. The Poll also found significant leads for the Republicans in the
Lieutenant Governor's race in which Bill Bolling (R) leads Jody Wagner
(46%-33%) and the contest for Attorney General in which Ken Cuccinelli leads
Steve Shannon (47%-32%).

Sources of Support

McDonnell leads among virtually all demographic subgroups. He leads among
self-described Independents (55%-29%), but he trails Deeds among political
moderates (51%-38%). Deeds leads among the youngest voters and
African-Americans, but McDonnell holds a strong lead among middle-aged and
older voters as well as with white voters.

McDonnell leads in every region of the Commonwealth as well as within each
educational and income group. While there are some signs of a gender gap,
McDonnell leads among both men (57%-32%) and women (49%-40%).

Issues in the Campaign

McDonnell and Deeds met at Roanoke College on October 20 to formally debate
the issues in the campaign's final debate between the gubernatorial
candidates.

The economy was identified as the most important issue by 35% of likely
voters. The economic-minded voters broke heavily in favor of McDonnell
(65%-29% for general economy/taxes/budget and 63%-23% for unemployment).

In a series of questions asking likely voters to choose which candidate would
best handle specific issues, respondents said McDonnell would be better in
dealing with the economy (56%-35%), transportation (50%-35%), and education
(49%-39%). Deeds was identified as most likely to raise taxes (63%-20%), and
as the candidate who ran the most negative campaign (42%-22%).

Methodology

Interviewing for The Roanoke College Poll was conducted by The Center for
Community Research at Roanoke College in Salem, Va. between October 21 and
October 27, 2009. The sample consisted of 569 likely voters in Virginia.
Questions answered by the entire sample are subject to a sampling error of
plus or minus approximately 4.1 percent at the 95 percent level of confidence.

A copy of the questionnaire, full press release and selected crosstabs may be
found at
http://roanoke.edu/News_and_Events/Campus_News/2009_Roanoke_College_Poll.htm

SOURCE Roanoke College

Dr. Harry L. Wilson, Director, +1-540-375-2415, Office, +1-540-992-1333, Home,
or +1-540-597-6925, cell, wilson@roanoke.edu