McDonnell, Bolling, and Cuccinelli Leading in the Polls

According to a recent Washington Post poll, Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling, and Ken Cuccinelli are all leading by nine points. McDonnell is leading Deeds, 53-44; Bolling leads Wagner 49-40; and Cuccinelli leads Shannon 49-40.

So, what has caused Deeds to lose points with the voters?

The survey reflects the trend of the campaign over recent weeks. After being on the defensive since his thesis was published in late August, McDonnell has been able to retake momentum by focusing on issues, such as the economy and transportation, and articulating his vision to voters. McDonnell has been aided by airing twice as many campaign ads in Northern Virginia.

By double-digit margins, voters say that he would better handle virtually every major issue facing Virginians, including transportation, taxes, education, the state budget and the economy. Only on issues of special concern to women does Deeds hold a tepid 47 to 41 point advantage.