Thanks to Eric Cantor's Virginia, President Obama has reason to be smiling (Jason Reed/Reuters)
PPP (PDF). 12/11-13. Virginia voters. ±4.0%. (7/21-24 results)
Obama: 48 (47)
Romney: 42 (43)
Obama: 50
Gingrich: 43
Obama: 48
Paul: 40
Obama: 51 (48)
Perry: 41 (39)
Obama: 52 (49)
Bachmann: 39 (40)
The GOP's basic problem? Although Virginians do narrowly approve of President Obama's job performance (by a 48-47 margin), they really don't like the Republicans:
Net Favorable Rating
Romney: -19
Gingrich: -24
Bachmann: -25
Paul: -36
Perry: -41
If he weren't running against Republicans, President Obama would probably be in worse shape in Virginia given the state of the economy. Then again, if it weren't for Republicans, the state of the economy wouldn't be so bad.