Washington Post Virginia Poll, October 2006

This poll, conducted October 10-October 12, 2006, is part of a continuing series of monthly surveys that solicit public opinion on the presidency and on a range of other political and social issues. Respondents were asked to give their opinions on the upcoming political elections. They were asked to rate their chances on whether or not they will vote in the election. Furthermore, they were queried on how closely they were following the races. They were also asked for whom they would vote if the elections were held today. Respondents were asked to voice their opinion on whether or not they thought things in the state of Virginia were generally going in the right direction. They were also asked if they approved or disapproved of the way George W. Bush was handling his job as president. Respondents were asked if they thought the campaign for United States Senate was too negative. If so, they were asked if they thought the George Allen or James Webb campaign was to blame. Respondents were asked if they would vote in favor of Amendment One, which defines marriage as being only the union of one man and one woman. Respondents were asked to give their opinion on each of the candidates for governor and senator. Respondents were given a series of statements for both George Allen and James Webb and were asked if it described them very well, fairly well, not too well, or not well at all. These statements included standing up for issues important to women, standing up for issues important to African Americans, tolerant of the points of view of all Virginians, understands the problems of people like you, is a strong leader, is honest and trustworthy, and has strong family values. Some questions dealt with the issue of transportation in the state of Virginia. Respondents were asked how important it was to them that the state increased its spending on transportation projects. They were asked if they would favor or oppose a transportation plan that would allow voters to approve local tax increases to fund road projects in their area. They were queried on if they thought the war with Iraq was worth fighting. Respondents were also asked if they thought the news media was treating both Allen's and Webb's campaigns fairly. Demographic variables include race, sex, age, level of education, income, voter registration status, political ideology, party affiliation, religion, and religiosity.