What a difference a few weeks can make in politics. Just ask Senator George Allen who seemed to be enjoying smooth sailing to re-election ever since popular former Governor Mark Warner had decided not to pursue Allen's Senate seat.

In mid-January, a Rasmussen Reports election poll showed businessman Harris Miller (D) trailing Virginia Senator George Allen (R) by 30 points. At the time, Miller had just announced his candidacy.

After Miller gave the Democrats a candidate to challenge the incumbent, former Navy secretary James Webb soon became the second Democrat in the race. Webb had been considering a run for months but formally took the plunge only recently, on February 7.

Today, Allen leads Miller 48% to 35%. He leads Webb by a similar margin, 49% to 37%. It is significant that Allen's support has now dipped below 50% when pitted either against potential challenger.

Senator Allen's favorable numbers have also declined since January. Sixty-one percent (61%) now view him favorably; in January, 70% viewed him favorably.

Only about a third of voters view either Miller or Webb favorably. Another third or so "not sure" of either man, meaning that one of the key aspects of this election will be who defines how the challengers are viewed by most voters.

Visit the Rasmussen Reports Election Polls page to see a summary of our latest state-by state polling.

Former Governor Warner, thought a likely Democratic candidate for President in 2008, is viewed favorably by 71%. Senator Allen has long been considered a GOP candidate raising the somewhat remote possibility of an all-Virginia Presidential election in 2008. Warner has an edge over Allen in the Presidential match-up for Virginia's Electoral Votes.

Seventy-six percent (76%) of Virginia voters say they're following the debate over proposed tax plans in the state.

Only 24% support higher taxes to reduce legislative gridlock. Fifty-eight percent (58%) oppose that deal and 18% are not sure.

Fifty-six percent (56%) of Virginia's likely voters say Iraq is a more important issue affecting their vote than the economy; 40% say the economy is more important.

A slight majority find President Bush to be more trustworthy than congressional Democrats on both Iraq and the economy.

Visit our Election Polls page to see a summary of our latest state-by state polling. Rasmussen Reports is polling every Senate and Governors' race at least once a month this year.

Crosstabs for this survey are available for Premium Members.