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Where do the pols rank?

Chris Graham

The most liked Virginia political figure – no surprise, it’s Mark Warner.

That was the finding in a Public Policy Polling survey conducted Feb. 24-27. Warner, a popular former Democratic governor in his first term representing the state in the U.S. Senate, is viewed favorably by 58 percent of Virginians, with 29 percent viewing him unfavorably.

Key to Warner’s popularity is his strong showing among independents, who split 59 percent favorable/30 percent unfavorable on Warner.

Senior Democratic Sen. Jim Webb, who last month said he will not run for a second term in the U.S. Senate, has a 48 percent favorable/35 percent unfavorable split. Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell is next on the list with a 46 percent favorable/34 percent unfavorable rating.

Not doing so well: Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, whose favorable rating of 37 percent trails his 40 percent unfavorable rating, and presumed 2013 Democratic gubernatorial-nomination candidate Terry McAuliffe, who is viewed favorably by 17 percent and unfavorably by 30 percent.

Story by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at [email protected].

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham, the king of "fringe media," a zero-time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, and a member of zero Halls of Fame, is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].