Rasmussen is now doing a “battleground state” survey that will be released every Monday. The latest polling in the key State of Virginia shows McCain and Obama in a dead heat at 48% each. From Rasmussen:

One week ago, McCain had a modest 49% to 47% lead over Obama. Neither candidate has led the race by more than two percentage points since June, making the historically Republican state one of the biggest toss-ups in this year’s election.

Virginia has not voted Democratic since LBJ in 1964, but there has been some real movement here, with a Democratic governor in place and a U.S. senate race that is looking like a rout in favor of the Democratic candidate. In that Senate race ex Governor Mark Warner (D) is taking on ex-Governor Jim Gilmore (R). From Rasmussen:

Former Democratic Governor Mark Warner’s lead continues to grow over former Republican Governor Jim Gilmore in Virginia’s race for the United States Senate. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey in the state finds Warner on top 59% to 33%. Last month, Warner enjoyed a 57% to 34% lead.

When “leaners” are included, the Democrat now leads 61% to 35%.

A truly key state in this presidential race. I have assigned Virginia to Obama in my electoral map exercise, and will likely leave it there for now. But it truly is to close to call.