Auto dealer Scott Rigell (R) is promoting an internal poll that gives him a commanding advantage ahead of the June 8 primary.

Rigell’s poll of 2nd district voters, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies on May 17-18, gave him 47 percent of the GOP vote, followed by 10 percent for Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Bert Mizusawa, 9 percent for businessman Scott Taylor, 6 percent for businessman Ben Loyola and 1 percent apiece for ex-Navy SEAL Ed Maulbeck and writer Jessica Sandlin.

“Heading into the final weeks of the primary election, Scott Rigell owns strong advantages in both personal image and ballot strength over his primary opponents,” pollster Patrick Lanne wrote in a memo.

Gov. Bob McDonnell (R), a close friend of Rigell’s, formally endorsed him May 13, four days before the poll was in the field.

The National Republican Congressional Committee has included Rigell in the highest echelon of its “Young Guns” candidate recruitment and training program.

The Republican winner will face Rep. Glenn Nye (D), who is seeking a second term.