I just heard Virginia Tomorrow's Bob Holsworth being interviewed on NPR about the Virginia governor's race. Here are his main points, from my (hopefully accurate) memory:*The letter from U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee James Oberstar to Gov. Tim Kaine, criticizing him for "being the last in the nation to put to use federal stimulus highway money," directly contradicts the Democrats' core campaign message that Virginia is the "best managed state in the country." According to Holsworth, this "shocking" (I believe he used that word) letter makes Virginia Dem's look like the "gang that couldn't shoot straight."
*Bob McDonnell's masters' thesis had an impact on the race for a while, particularly in NOVA, but it's at the point of diminishing marginal returns. In addition, McDonnell's campaign has countered effectively, including its current TV ad which Holsworth thinks is extremely effective. Holsworth also pointed to the McDonnell ad with his daughter, who was a platoon leader in Iraq, as highly effective in countering the thesis damage.
*Virginia Democrats are not happy with the DGA - and its head, Brian Schweitzer - pontificating about Deeds' chances (or lack thereof) of winning in 4 weeks, and would strongly prefer to receive money and other support rather than punditry.
*Overall, the downballot races are following the top of the ticket, with Jody Wagner and Steve Shannon both trailing their Republican opponents.
*The AG's race between Ken Cuccinelli and Steve Shannon is, in many ways, the most interesting of all the races this year in Virginia. Among other things, the two men have diametrically different views regarding the role of the Attorney General. They also had a knock-down, drag-out brawl (aka, "debate") on WTOP this past Friday. Holsworth wishes that the "mainstream" media would pay more attention to this race
*According to Holsworth, it looks highly likely right now that Republicans will retain their majority in the House of Delegates, as Democrats would have to "run the table" in order to pick up the 6 seats needed for them to take control.
Sadly, it's hard for me to disagree with any of this. Your thoughts?
