Washington Post Virginia Governor Poll #2, October 2005

This special topic poll, fielded October 23-26, 2005, was undertaken to assess respondents' opinions on Virginia's 2005 gubernatorial election. Respondents were asked if they were registered to vote, their probability of voting in the upcoming election, how closely they were following the campaign, which candidate they were likely to vote for, and whether endorsements for candidates increased their probability of voting for them. The survey also asked for opinions on the performances of President George W. Bush and Governor Mark Warner, the overall conditions in Virginia and the United States, and respondents' knowledge of and opinions about the candidates for governor. Respondents' opinions were also sought about whether candidates were running positive or negative campaigns and which issues held the most importance in determining which candidate they would vote for. Respondents were queried on their views about whether taxes should be decided by a statewide vote or the legislature, state transportation plans, the impact of immigrants on their community, and if they supported the use of public funds to assist day laborers in finding work. The survey also included questions about the respondents' views of abortion and the death penalty. Demographic information includes political affiliation, political ideology, education, age, religious affiliation, marital status, sex, race, and income.