PPP's fourth poll of the Democratic primary for Governor of Virginia now shows a clear front-runner, and significant momentum for former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe.
Public Policy Polling. 5/1-3. Registered voters. MoE 3.9%. (March numbers)
Democratic Primary
Terry McAuliffe 30 (18)
Brian Moran 20 (22)
Creigh Deeds 14 (15)
There's not much more than a month to go before the primary, and the recent SurveyUSA poll also shows McAuliffe with a substantial lead (16 points). Perhaps most notable from this poll is that while all three candidates have exceptional favorables, McAuliffe's have gone up considerably in the past month, from 32/29 favorable/unfavorable to 42/25.
McAuliffe has a great advantage in financial resources, but he also benefits from a strong organization, prominent surrogates like President Clinton and will.i.am, and a consistent, unrelenting message focusing on job creation.
If the two polls are to be believed, McAuliffe has to be considered the front-runner at the moment. There's plenty of time for that to change - Creigh Deeds went up with his first two ads yesterday, and they're both good.
Nevertheless, McAuliffe is the front-runner at this point, and he's in a very strong position to be the Democratic nominee in June.
On the web:
Creigh Deeds for Governor
Terry McAuliffe for Governor
Brian Moran for Governor