In the battleground state of Virginia, a new poll shows Hillary Rodham Clinton is running well ahead of her potential Democratic rivals for her party’s 2016 presidential nomination and leading the entire field of likely Republicans candidates.
The Christopher Newport University poll released Monday found that, among likely White House prospects, Mrs. Clinton and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican, are viewed most favorable by voters.
Vice President Joe Biden and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush also received solid favorable ratings.
Meanwhile, Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts Democrat, and Ted Cruz, Texas Republican, scored the lowest favorable ratings, and are largely unknown commodities to voters.
“In a hypothetical 2016 Democratic primary election, Hillary Clinton would cruise to a commanding victory with 66 percent of Democrats and independent-leaning Democrats saying they would vote for her rather than Joe Biden or Elizabeth Warren,” the poll said.
Republicans in Virginia are more divided.
“There is no clear leader in a hypothetical 2016 Republican primary election, with Chris Christie and Jeb Bush sharing the lead among Republicans and independent-leaning Republicans, with 19 percent and 18 percent of the vote, respectively, followed by Mike Huckabee and Paul Ryan at 13 percent.” the poll said.
“Tea Party favorites Ted Cruz and Rand Paul poll in the single digits at 9 percent and 7 percent, respectively.”
The survey also showed that President Obama’s approval rating is underwater at 46 percent to 48 percent and just 10 percent of voters approve of the job Congress is doing.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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