More bad news for Creigh Deeds: eight days before Virginians elect a new governor, the Democrat trails Republican Bob McDonnell by 11 percentage points, according to a Washington Post poll conducted Oct. 22-25.

The Post survey, conducted of 1,026 adults who say they are likely to vote in the Nov. 3 election, is the most recent evidence pointing to a possible landslide victory by McDonnell, who had a narrow lead in polls over the summer but has since put some distance between himself and Deeds.

McDonnell is winning 95 percent of self-identified Republicans and Deeds is winning 94 percent of self-identified Democrats, but McDonnell leads by 25 percentage points among political independents, a key swing constituency.

A Washington Post survey conducted Oct. 4-7 is the latest evidence that Republican Bob McDonnell has increased his lead in the Nov. 3 election for Virginia governor.

The poll, which was conducted of 1,001 likely voters, gave McDonnell a 9-point edge over Democrat Creigh Deeds, 53 percent to 44 percent. Three weeks ago, the Post's survey had McDonnell ahead by just 51 percent to 47 percent.

By wide margins, respondents said they trust McDonnell more than Deeds to handle issues such as the economy, transportation, the state budget and energy.