A new poll puts Republican Bob McDonnell ahead in a November Election Day showdown with any of the three Democratic challengers vying for their party's nomination.
The poll, conducted by SurveyUSA, shows the former Virginia attorney general beating state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, by five points -- 44 percent to 39 percent.
The poll shows McDonnell beating former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe by seven points -- 46 percent to 39 percent -- and beating former Del. Brian J. Moran, D-Alexandria, by 12 points -- 46 percent to 34 percent.
On the Democratic side, Deeds campaign manager Joe Abbey claimed victory in an e-mail sent to supporters.
"Creigh Deeds is the strongest Democrat against Bob McDonnell in November," Abbey writes, before launching into a pitch for donations. "Creigh has the best chance to win in November, but we need you to help him win the primary first."
The same poll has McAuliffe trouncing Deeds and Moran in the June 9 Democratic primary. McAuliffe polls at 38 percent, while Deeds and Moran muster only 22 percent, with a significant 18 percent undecided, the poll showed.
The survey interviewed 1,600 Virginia adults, 1,396 of whom are registered to vote. But only 409 indicated they would likely vote in the upcoming Democratic primary.
The candidates will debate tonight in Blacksburg in the first-ever Virginia governors debate sponsored by bloggers.
For a report from the debate, check back later tonight on TimesDispatch.com and see tomorrow's Richmond Times-Dispatch.
-- Jim Nolan
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