Democrat Mark Warner still has a comfortable lead over Republican Jim Gilmore in the race for Virginia’s seat in the U.S. Senate. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Virginia voters found Warner up 55% to 39%.

The gap was slightly larger last month when Warner led Gilmore 57% to 37%.

Warner dominates among unaffiliated voters. He leads Gilmore 65% to 21% among those not affiliated with either Republicans or Democrats.

Warner is viewed favorably by 65% and unfavorably by 32%. Gilmore’s numbers are 51% favorable and 42% unfavorable.

The economy is the most important issue for 38% of Virginia voters. Just 17% give the economy a good or excellent rating, while 37% give it a poor rating. Seventy-percent (70%) think the economy is getting worse, while just 9% say it’s getting better.

The War in Iraq is the most important issue for 21% of voters. Forty-percent (40%) of Virginia voters say the situation in Iraq will improve in the next six months, while 31% believe it will worsen.

John McCain holds significant leads over both potential democratic candidates in general election match-ups in the Old Dominion [link].

Rasmussen Markets data just prior to the release of this survey suggested that Warner is expected to win the senate race (current prices: Republican % Democrat %). Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. Using a trading format where traders "buy and sell" candidates, issues, and news features, the Rasmussen Markets harness competitive passions to provide a reliable leading indicator of upcoming events. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom of the market.

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