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An exclusive ABC 7/NewsChannel 8 poll finds the race between Sens. John McCain (web|news|bio) and Barack Obama (web|news|bio) too close to call in Battleground Virgina.
The SuveyUSA poll of 655 likely voters found Republican presidential hopeful John McCain with 48 percent of the vote, compared with 47 percent for Democrat Barack Obama.
The poll has a plus or minus 3.9-percent margin of error, making the race a tossup.
| If the election for President were today, would you vote for ... Republican John McCain? Or, Democrat Barack Obama? |
| 48% McCain (R) |
| 47% Obama (D) |
| 3% Other |
| 2% Undecided |
| Margin of Error = ± 3.9% |
Analysts say it remains a tight race.
"Virginia is still fundamentally a Republican-leaning state. It still hasn't changed too much despite the growth in northern Virginia, and I don't think Obama has any better than a 50/50 chance of winning the state," said Politico's John Kraushaar.
Obama draws his support from the Hampton Roads and northern Virginia regions, with 13-point and 11-point leads, respectively. McCain leads by 23 points in the Shenandoah and by 5 points in Central Virginia.
Eighty-nine percent of self-identified Republicans say they plan to vote for McCain. Obama holds 86% of the Democrat base. Independents break 5:4 for McCain. Moderates break 3:2 for Obama.
Obama has a slight lead among college graduates, while McCain leads among those who attend religious services regularly.
McCain also draws much of his support by men, who prefer him by 9 points; Obama leads by 6 points among female voters -- making for a 15-point gender gap. 
Among voters older than John McCain, McCain leads by 9. Among voters younger than McCain, the contest is effectively even.
Both candidates are reportedly considering vice-presidential nominees from Virginia. The Obama campaign is reportedly vetting Governor Tim Kaine. McCain is reportedly considering Rep. Eric Cantor, who represents Virginia 7th congressional district.
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