In the wake of his June 13 primary win over Harris Miller, former Navy secretary James Webb (D) has added eleven percentage points to his support in a match-up with incumbent Senator George Allen (R).
The latest Rasmussen Reports election poll of the Virginia race for U.S. Senate shows Allen leading Webb 51% to 41%. (See crosstabs).

In our previous poll, the incumbent led 50% to 30%. In early February,
soon after announcing his candidacy, Webb had lagged by only twelve percentage points, but Allen soon widened the gap.

Webb-who actually endorsed Allen in 2000-is a former Republican who left the GOP because of the war in Iraq. He appealed to so-called Reagan Democrats to handily win the nomination. A victory by Miller would have given voters a more standard Democratic alternative.

Webb's stronger showing in the new poll may simply represent the several-point bounce in support candidates often enjoy right after winning a primary. But Senator Allen has had trouble staying above 50% support, and since April has gained just a single point.

Allen is viewed favorably by 62% of the electorate, Webb by 51%. Seventeen percent (17%) don't yet voice an opinion of Webb.

Governor Tim Kaine, a Democrat, is viewed favorably by 67%, unfavorably by 30%.

Looking ahead to 2008, Republicans John McCain and Rudy Giuliani are viewed favorably by two thirds or more. Democrats Hillary Clinton and Al Gore are viewed favorably by not quite half. Premium Members can check out 2008 Presidential match-ups between these four potential candidates.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members. See our Politics Page and Elections Page for other State Election results and important issues of the the day.