From the Tom Perriello Campaign:
Perriello Surges in SurveyUSA Poll
October 8, 2008--Ivy, VA--A new poll shows that support is surging for Tom Perriello and waning for Rep. Virgil Goode one month away from the election. The poll by Survey USA, conducted for WDBJ7, shows that the race now stands at Goode 55% and Perriello at 42%, representing a net gain of more than 20 points for Perriello since this poll was last conducted in August. There was a 23% swing of independent voters in Perriello's favor.
"The reason we are gaining support is because Tom Perriello is offering real solutions on the economy, gas prices, and health care, when all we've seen from Congressman Goode is lies, false attacks, and ducking debates," said Jessica Barba, Perriello's communications director. "Rep. Goode has begun to air extremely negative and offensive ads that have drawn condemnation from the public and the media, with the Roanoke Times even calling for Goode to drop it. Congressman Goode is losing voters, and we are on the path to victory."
Rep. Goode's lead has been more than cut in half since Perriello began airing commercials, forcing Goode to respond with negative attack ads. Goode canceled a televised debate on NBC-29 and WSET on October 7, after his campaign manager had confirmed his participation. He is refusing to do televised debates. The Perriello television commercials focus on the campaign's commitment to serving local charities in the community as well as Perriello's refusal to accept corporate donations.
This is what we have been waiting for. Hopefully the DCCC notices this move and gets some media support for Tom.
Sources:
SurveyUSA (10/6-7, likely voters, 8/10-12):
Tom Perriello (D): 42 (30)
Virgil Goode (R-inc): 55 (64)
Undecided: 3 (5)
(MoE: ±3.8%)