VA-02: Drake (R) leads by 14

by brownsox [courtesy of Daily Kos]

Research 2000's poll for Daily Kos shows Republican incumbent Thelma Drake ahead of her Democratic challenger, Glenn Nye, by a healthy margin.

Research 2000 for Daily Kos. 10/7-8. Likely voters. MoE 5% (No trend lines)

Glenn Nye is a highly attractive candidate in many ways, but if this poll is to be believed, Drake has a comfortable lead in her bid for reelection this fall. While she faced a nailbiter of a race against Democrat Phil Kellam in 2006, frequently trailing in polls, she's had a consistent lead over Nye this time out.

Nye is actually underperforming Obama by a few points - Obama trails 51% to 42% in VA-02. Democratic internal polling has shown Nye within striking distance of Drake - just five points back - so all is not lost in this district, but Nye looks to have an awfully hard road ahead.

It's especially unfortunate to see this in the wake of a heinous smear campaign from Drake. We'll be pulling for Nye to pull this one out.

On the web:
Glenn Nye for Congress