Incumbent Republican Senator George Allen continues to draw support from a majority of Virginia voters in his bid for re-election to the U.S. Senate. The latest Rasmussen Reports survey of 500 likely voters shows Allen leading Democrat James Webb 50% to 39%.

While essentially unchanged from a month ago, these numbers represent minor downturns for both candidates since our previous survey where Allen led Webb 51% to 41%.

Allen added two points to his favorable rating since June with 64% of those polled holding a positive opinion of him. Webb’s numbers fell slightly in this category; 46% of voters view him favorably compared with 51% of those surveyed last month.

Only 6% of voters are undecided about Allen, compared to 24% who are unsure what they think of Webb.

Among the issues on the minds of Virginia voters, the economy (28%), national security (23%) and the war in Iraq (17%) fill out the top three slots on the list the most important. Those who name national security as the top issue overwhelmingly favor Allen while those who see the War in Iraq as the top issue overwhelmingly favor Webb. (see crosstabs)

On another issue of 2006—voting—80% of those surveyed believe voters should be required to show photo identification when they report to the polls. Looking at the numbers along party lines, 91% of Republicans favor the I.D. requirement compared to 71% of Democrats.

Fifty-nine percent (59%) of respondents support ballots printed in English only with slightly more than one-third (37%) indicating that English and Spanish ballots are acceptable.

In what should be a wake up call for all elected officials, the majority of voters (50%) believe that the political system is badly broken. Thirty-six percent (36%) disagree and 15% aren’t sure. Party divisions show a vast difference in perceptions: 69% of Democrats believe the political system is damaged versus 31% of Republicans. When Bill Clinton was President, Republicans were more skeptical of the political system. Since George W. Bush was elected, the parties have reversed roles on such questions.

President Bush pulls approval from a slim majority of Virginia’s voters. Fifty-two percent (52%) give the president their approval; 47% disagree. Virginia Governor Tim Kaine (D) continues to produce high numbers. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of voters approve of his job performance while 27% do not.

Crosstabs are available to Premium Members. For the latest State Election results and issues of the day see our Elections Page and Politics Page.