CBS News poll: Vaccine and economy fights driving tight Virginia governor's race
CBSN
The Virginia governor's race is but one state contest, an entire year before the midterms. So why are the nation's political eyes all watching it so intensely? Because, as our poll finds, it'll turn on the very issues voters across the country are facing: vaccines and mandates, the economy and jobs, feelings about Joe Biden and, for some, about Donald Trump, too.
And also because it looks close.
Democrat Terry McAuliffe, the former governor, leads Republican Glenn Youngkin by a narrow three points in the preferences of likely voters. McAuliffe hits 50% including voters leaning his way, but there are some clear warning signs for Democrats: Youngkin leads with independents, and his backers look more enthusiastic about voting and firmer in their choice. While Democrats are banking an early-vote lead, McAuliffe still needs to turn out most of the voters who came out for Mr. Biden last year.
