Late deciders push Romney to narrow lead over Obama in Virginia; Allen overtakes Kaine in Va. Senate race according to a Roanoke College Poll

SALEM, Va., Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Mitt Romney has overtaken President Barack Obama by a very narrow margin in Virginia (49% - 44%), according to a Roanoke College Poll conducted after the Presidential debates. Republican George Allen also enjoys a 5 point lead over Democrat Tim Kaine (47% - 42%) in the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Virginia.

The Institute for Policy and Opinion Research interviewed 638 likely voters in Virginia between Oct. 23 and October 26 and has a margin of error of +/-4 percent. Employing a more stringent screen for likely voters (N=503) increases Romney's lead to 54 percent to 41 percent and Allen's lead to 51 percent to 39 percent.

Only 5 percent of the electorate remains undecided in the Presidential contest, while the other candidates on the ballot draw smaller numbers of voters (Johnson, 2%; Stein 1%; and Goode 1%). Among those who made their vote decision after one or more of the debates, Romney leads 53 percent to 35 percent.

"What a difference a month can make," said Dr. Harry Wilson, director of the Institute for Policy and Opinion Research. "Governor Romney made up a lot of ground during and after the debates. Those likely voters who made their decision during or after the debates favor Romney by 18 percent."

"While President Obama's approval rating and favorable rating are largely unchanged from last month, Governor Romney's numbers have improved dramatically. Almost certainly, the debates helped Romney tremendously. This is now a very close race, and the momentum seems to be on Romney's side."

"With regard to the Senate race, we now see strong evidence of Presidential coattails. The fates of Allen and Kaine may now be in the hand of the Presidential nominees."

More information available at: http://bit.ly/Rss7Vl

SOURCE Roanoke College

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