Warner looks strong for 2014

PPP's newest Virginia poll finds Mark Warner in a strong position no matter who the GOP puts up against him next year. Warner continues to be the state's most popular politician, with 52% of voters approving of him to only 31% who disapprove.

Bob McDonnell has solid numbers too, with a 48/35 approval spread. Even so he would trail Warner 52/42 if he tried to run for the Senate next year. The rest of the Republicans we tested do far worse. Bill Bolling would trail by 18 points at 53/35. Eric Cantor, who's a very unpopular figure with a 27/44 favorability rating, trails Warner 56/37. And likely 2013 Gubernatorial nominee Ken Cuccinelli does the worst in a hypothetical head to head with Warner, trailing 57/36. Barring some dramatic reversal of Warner's popularity he looks safe for next year.

Virginia voters are ambivalent about either of their major politicians running for President in 2016. Only 32% think Warner should take the plunge, while 46% think he should not. And just 31% think McDonnell should go for it with 47% opposed to the concept. McDonnell would trail Hillary Clinton 49/44 in a hypothetical head to head among Virginia voters, speaking to what a formidable candidate she would be at least at this point in time.

After his larger than expected victory in Virginia last year, Barack Obama's approval rating in the state is now up to a 53/43 spread. That represents an improvement from a 47% mark the weekend before the election. And our first look at newly elected Senator Tim Kaine's job approval finds him at a 42/36 mark.

Full results here