Rasmussen: McDonnell out front

One of the first polls of the 2009 race for the Executive Mansion has good news for departing Republican Attorney General Bob McDonnell.

He leads all three of his potential Democratic challengers by significant margins, according to a new poll by Rasmussen Reports. Bob Holsworth's take on the poll is instructive.

Other interesting findings: a significant majority of Virginians support raising the cigarette tax, nearly 75 percent of people are worried about losing their jobs and the Democratic stimulus package working through Congress draws mixed reviews.

Gov. Tim Kaine has proposed doubling the state's tobacco tax to help close the budget gap. Should Virginia's legislature double the tax to 60 cents per pack to help reduce the state budget deficit?

• 62% Yes
• 31% No
• 8% Not sure

How concerned are you that you or someone in your family could lose their job in the next year?

• 46% Very concerned
• 27% Somewhat concerned
• 16% Not very concerned
• 9% Not at all concerned
• 1% Not sure

Do you favor or oppose the economic recovery package proposed by Barack Obama and the Congressional Democrats?

• 44% Favor
• 44% Oppose
• 12% Not sure