Survey: Virginians Back NRA, Except in D.C. Metro Area

Most Virginians view the National Rifle Association favorably, according to a poll conducted for the gun lobby. But the opinions are radically different in the various parts of the state holding the only competitive gubernatorial race this year.

The poll of 800 voters likely to cast ballots in the upcoming race between Republican Ken Cuccinelli and Democrat Terry McAuliffe shows that overall, 30 percent "strongly favor" and 21 percent "somewhat favor" the NRA's agenda, reports Politico.

McAuliffe and Cuccinelli have widely differing views on the gun issue, with Cuccinelli often touting his "A" rating from the NRA and McAuliffe speaking out against the NRA and in favor of gun control legislation.

The political action committee of the National Rifle Association has spent $466,000 on television and Internet ads highlighting McAuliffe-backed gun control measures, reports Roll Call.

Though Virginians generally favor the NRA, the poll shows a significant divide according to region, and in Northern Virginia — the Washington D.C. media market — the NRA survey showed that 46 percent of voters do not favor the NRA, while 43 percent do.

New York City Mayaor Michael Bloomberg's PAC has earmarked $1.1 million for attack ads that link Cuccinelli to the NRA. But they will only air in the D.C. area, not elsewhere in the state, where NRA support runs high.

On Saturday, during a forum in Richmond, McAuliffe mentioned his opposition to the NRA, saying he supports an assault weapons ban and expanding background checks.

Cuccinelli said he  opposes background checks at gun shows. "No one has ever brought in a single crime that would have been stopped in Virginia based on closing this so-called loophole,” said Cuccinelli.

The survey was performed by Republican pollsters InMessage.

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