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Dueling Poll Numbers in Virginia Gubernatorial Primary

Polls paint slightly different picture of competitive Democratic primary in Virginia governor's race.
Image: Ralph Northam, Tara Perkinson
In this Jan. 26, 2016 photo, Virginia Lt. Gov. and Democratic candidate for governor, Ralph Northam, left, talks with Senate Chief Deputy Clerk Tara Perkinson before the start of a Senate session at the Capitol in Richmond, Va. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)Steve Helber / AP

On Tuesday morning, the Wason Center at Christopher Newport University released a public poll showing Ralph Northam and Tom Perriello tied in Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial primary, 26 percent to 26 percent, with 45 percent undecided.

(The poll also found Republican Ed Gillespie easily leading the GOP race, and President Trump's approval rating in Virginia at 37 percent).

But hours later, the Northam campaign released to NBC News an internal poll -- conducted by veteran Democratic pollster Fred Yang, who helps direct the national NBC/WSJ poll -- showing Northam ahead among likely Dem voters, 38 percent to 19 percent, with 43 percent undecided.

Importantly, however, the Northam internal poll was conducted Feb. 25-28, while the Wason Center poll was conducted March 16-26 of registered Virginia voters (not likely ones).