New Wason Center Virginia Poll: Terry McAuliffe Up 4 pts (49%-45%), Hala Ayala Up 4 pts (48%-44%), Mark Herring Up 6 pts (49%-43%)

This new poll by the Wason Center at Christopher Newport University falls into the could-be-better/could-be-worse category, as far as I’m concerned. First, on the “could-be-better” side:

• “Since we polled these races in late August, Democratic leads have shrunk, and the contests for governor and lieutenant governor now stand within this survey’s margin of error (+/- 4.2%). Independent voters have moved significantly toward all three Republican candidates. Republican voters are more enthusiastic about voting than Democrats, with 61% of Republican likely voters indicating they are very enthusiastic compared to 55% of Democrats.”  On that last point, I feel like a broken record, but Virginia Democratic voters really, really need to have a sense of urgency at this point, with just  3 1/2 weeks to go until election day on 11/2!

But on the “could-be-worse” side:

• “Former Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe leads Republican Glenn Youngkin, 49% to 45%, among likely voters…Seeking a third term, Attorney General Mark Herring leads Republican Jason Miyares, 49% to 43%, with 7% undecided…For lieutenant governor, Democrat Hala Ayala leads Republican Winsome Sears, 48% to 44%, with 8% undecided.” So…four-point leads for McAuliffe and Ayala, and a six-point lead for Herring. I mean, we’ll take it, but…not thrilled that it’s down from the last Wason Center poll.

For other interesting findings of this poll, see below. A few highlights include:

• “On abortion, 61% of Virginia likely voters support laws to protect women’s access to abortion, while 30% support making it more difficult. Voters oppose a law banning abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected around 6 weeks (55% to 36%).“
• “Youngkin’s support is currently driven by white voters (58%), male voters (48%)  and those from the South/Southwest region (57%). Youngkin maintains 90% of his
  Republican base.”
• “Former Governor McAuliffe has largely maintained his overall support at 49% (compared to 50% in late August). McAuliffe’s support is strongest among women (50%), Black voters (86%), voters age 44 and younger (55%) and voters in the Northern Virginia region (59%). McAuliffe shows 92% support among Democrats and has gained slight ground among self-identified Republicans (7% compared to 3% in August).”