Washington Post Virginia Governor Poll #1, September 2005

This special topic poll, fielded September 6-9, 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, Senator George Allen, and Governor Mark Warner. Respondents' knowledge of and opinions about the candidates for governor were also sought, as well as their opinions about Governor Warner's tax package, whether taxes should be decided by a statewide vote or the legislature, whether public funds should be made available for pre-school education, and which issues held the most importance to the voter. Respondents were queried on their views of the overall conditions of Virginia and its economy, if they supported raising the state's gasoline tax, 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, number of children under 18, sex, race, employment status, and income.