| Page 2 of 3 < > |
Clinton, Obama Each Claim Footing To Push Shifting Va. Across the Aisle
TOOLBOX   Resize Text
 Save/Share +
COMMENT
|
Discussion Policy
CLOSE
"Virginia today is not the Virginia of 10 years ago," Elleithee said. "Anyone who underestimates her chances in a state like Virginia is going to be in for a rude awakening the day after the election."
On Super Tuesday, Clinton easily won majorities in many rural counties in Missouri and Tennessee, which share some of Virginia's demographic and cultural traits. Clinton has also been doing well with white women, which could give her a major boost in Northern Virginia while undercutting the GOP advantage in some conservative counties this fall.
However, Obama would be likely to energize Virginia's African American voters and young people.
The stakes are high in the state for both parties. Besides providing an opportunity for Democrats to break the Republican lock on the South in presidential contests, the state will be electing a new U.S. senator and at least one new member of the House of Representatives this year.
Many Virginia Republicans say they would prefer to battle a Democratic slate headed by Clinton. Former governor James S. Gilmore, who is seeking the GOP nomination for Senate, has tried to link his likely Democratic opponent, former governor Mark R. Warner, to Clinton.
"Her negatives are higher, and Obama is this young, new, fresh face," said Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell (R), who is considering running for governor next year. "It would put our candidates in a better stead if they had to run with her at the top of the ticket."
But Clinton proved during her U.S. Senate campaigns that she can win votes from Republicans in New York. A Washington Post poll of Virginia voters in October found that she faced strong opposition at a level comparable to McCain's and only modestly higher than that of Obama. The survey found that four in 10 voters said they definitely wouldn't vote for Clinton, compared to four in 10 for McCain and 35 percent for Obama.
Larry Framme, past executive director of the Virginia Democratic Party, argued that Clinton would also be stronger than Obama against McCain because Virginia has traditionally favored candidates with more experience.
"He is sort of the shiny, bright new thing, but fortunately for all of us, elections are won by the voters," said Framme, who has endorsed Clinton.
Democratic presidential candidates have been making progress in Northern Virginia. In 2004, Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) became the first Democratic presidential candidate in 40 years to win Fairfax County, although Bush carried the state.
The challenge for Democrats this fall will be in rural areas, the conservative Richmond suburbs and the pockets of Hampton Roads with high concentrations of veterans and active-duty military personnel.
U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, a Democrat who represents southwest Virginia, said Obama will keep the GOP nominee's winning margins in check in rural areas.
