Obama's popularity dips in Virginia

The wave of good feelings that helped carry President Barack Obama into office appears to be receding, at least in the Old Dominion.

Results from a Public Policy Polling survey released this week indicate that 48 percent of Virginians approve of the job Obama is doing while 46 percent disapprove.

The poll numbers come on the heels of recent news that national unemployment continues to grow as the economic recession persists.

Meanwhile, a national poll shows that although 52 percent of voters "at least somewhat approve" of the job Obama is doing, his numbers have slipped.

Last year, Obama became the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry Virginia in 44 years en route to the White House.

The Public Policy poll also shows U.S. Sens. Mark Warner and Jim Webb with 57 and 46 percent approval ratings respectively.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine is viewed favorably by 49 percent of respondents to the poll, which sampled 617 likely voters from June 30-July 2. It has a four percent margin of error.

-- Julian Walker

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