Poll: Virginians Satisfied With State – But Not U.S.

State for lovers loves its politicians

Virginians are more satisfied with the way things are going in the Commonwealth compared to the rest of the country, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released today.

In addition, nearly every statewide elected official and the legislature also got a positive rating, including republican Gov. Bob McDonnell who remains wildly popular among voters. Sixty-two percent approve of the way he’s handling the job compared to 22 percent who disapprove.

"By more than 3-1, Virginians are happy with what's going on in the state compared to the country and this optimism shows in their views of state politicians. All statewide elected officials, and even the State Legislature, get thumbs up for their job performance," said Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling institute. "In these tough times that is pretty remarkable.”

Among the Quinnipiac poll's other findings, a majority of Virginia voters oppose the notion of tolls on I-95 to raise funds for road improvements. Fifty-two percent think it’s a bad idea, however, 60 percent would favor increasing rolls rather than raising gasoline taxes.

"Virginians aren't hot on the idea of tolling portions of Interstate-95, but they sure like the idea of tolls better than higher gas taxes," said Brown. "In these days of political polarization, it's worth noting that there are very little differences among Democrats, Republicans or independents on this issue."

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