Kaine Holds Lead Over Allen in Virginia Senate Race

Former governor Tim Kaine has a seven-point advantage over former senator George Allen in the race for an open Senate seat in Virginia. According to a new Washington Post poll Kaine is ahead among likely voters 51 to 44 percent.

The two are vying for the seat that opened with the retirement of Sen. James Webb, D-Va., who defeated Allen six years ago. Kaine is being helped by a strong showing with women, leading Allen by 18 points, offsetting Allen’s four-point lead with men.

Kaine is also running strong in the suburban Washington area, holding a 28 point advantage over Allen. Voters 65 and older, however, are breaking for Allen by 10 points over Kaine.

The Post poll also found that Kaine is viewed as more friendly and likeable by a 12-point margin and has a seven-point lead on who better understands the public’s economic problems.

The race in Virginia is one of a handful of contests central to GOP hopes of gaining control of the Senate. The poll surveyed 1,228 likely voters Oct. 22 through Oct. 26.