Romney Opens Lead Over Obama But Faces Enthusiasm Gap; Kaine Trails Allen in Potential VA Senate Race

SALEM, Va., April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Likely Republican nominee Mitt Romney has opened a six-point lead (46%-40%) over President Barack Obama in Virginia, according to The Roanoke College Poll.  The two were statistically tied in the College's February poll.  Republican George Allen maintains an 8-point lead (44%-36%) on Democrat Tim Kaine in the likely November matchup for the U.S. Senate seat from Virginia.  The margin is unchanged from last month. 

The Roanoke College Poll interviewed 603 Virginia residents between March 24 and April 5 and has a margin of error of +/-4%.  Screening for registered voters (N=537) reduces Allen's lead to seven points (46%-39%) and Romney's lead to five points (46%-41%). 

"While Mitt Romney fares well in the top-line numbers of this poll, looking beneath the surface suggests that his position is somewhat precarious," said Harry Wilson, director of the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research.  "The commitment of his supporters lags significantly behind the commitment of President Obama's supporters in several areas.  While his lead over Obama has widened in a month, his favorable/unfavorable numbers and the fact that Virginians think Obama better understands their needs do not bode well for the likely Republican nominee." 

"The Allen/Kaine race has not changed since the last Roanoke College Poll.  It is also interesting that Kaine is actually winning among Virginians with the highest income."

"The results of this poll indicate a very high level of dissatisfaction on the part of Virginians.  Approval of Obama and McDonnell and Congress are all down slightly, and perceptions of the state and the country have declined as well.  Both Presidential candidates have higher unfavorable than favorable ratings.  Virginians are a disgruntled group right now."

More information and full results are available at: http://bit.ly/IIsx10

Part two of this poll, examining the perceptions of religious faith, the Presidency, Mitt Romney and Mormonism from the perspectives of Evangelical Christians and the general public, will be released in the coming days.

SOURCE Roanoke College