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POLL: President Obama leading Virginia, Gov. McDonnell won’t help Republicans

Posted at 7:01 AM, Mar 20, 2012
and last updated 2012-03-21 06:15:08-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – President Barack Obama leads all the Republican presidential candidates in Virginia according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released today.

President Obama now leads with a 50 – 42 percent margin over former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. It is his largest lead so far in this election cycle.

“The poll shows that Romney and the Republicans have been hurt by the primary campaign,” said CBS 6 political analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth. “I would expect that the race would narrow once the GOP actually selects a nominee.”

Putting Gov. Bob McDonnell on the ticket as the GOP vice-presidential nominee does not help the Republicans carry the state according to the poll. In a match-up of President Obama and Vice President Biden against Romney and Gov. McDonnell, the Democrats are leading by a margin of 50 – 43 percent.

“It is surprising that Gov. McDonnell wouldn’t be more helpful to the Republican nominee in Virginia,” Dr. Holswoth said. “But it may reflect that vice presidents have very little impact on how people vote for President.”