Creigh Deeds needs Mark Warner

With polls showing that Bob McDonnell's lead has bounced back up and steadied, there is reason for concern within the Deeds campaign. However, it is important to remember that Creigh Deeds still has the most valuable weapon in this election: Mark Warner.

Warner, the former Governor and current United States Senator, remains extremely popular in Virginia. Unbelievably popular, in fact. The most recent polls show that more than 60% of Virginians have a favorable view of him, and less than 30% have an unfavorable view. Deeds would be wise to tie himself to Warner as much as possible.

The two men campaigned together today in Northern Virginia. Warner was also featured recently in an ad on behalf of Deeds, in which he reminds voters of his outstanding record as Governor:

This really is Deeds' best shot to make up ground. There are still plenty of voters that remain undecided. McDonnell has done an excellent job of attracting moderates, but those are exactly the type of voters that Warner appeals to. If the Deeds campaign can use him appropriately over the course of the final month, Mark Warner's popularity will be enough to give him a bounce. But unfortunately, Deeds will need more than just the Warner bounce if he is going to catch up.

-Mike