Virginia Primary Primer
On the Ballot | Who to Watch | Who May Vote | The Candidates
Virginia picks its governor and other top state officials in the year after a presidential election. Because it's one of only two states that hold major elections in such years (New Jersey is the other), Virginia draws a lot of national attention. Politicians, their managers and interest groups test out arguments and tactics that can be used in future campaigns around the country.
• Race to Richmond: Notes From the Virginia Governor's Race
On the Ballot
On Nov. 8, Virginians will pick their next governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. They will also choose the 100 member of the House of Delegates, one of two chambers in the General Assembly, which makes the state's laws. In the June 14 primary elections, voters will choose the Republican and Democratic candidates who will oppose each other on the November ballot.
Governor
The governorship is the big prize this year. Republicans, who control the General Assembly, are hoping to win back complete control of the state government. They lost it when Gov. Mark R. Warner, a Democrat from Alexandria, won the race to succeed Republican James S. Gilmore III. Democrats hope to build on Warner's popularity, even as he considers his political options, including a possible run for U.S. Senate in 2006, or the presidency in 2008. Two Republicans are competing for their party's nomination in the primary. The Democratic candidate for governor is unopposed for the nomination.
Lieutenant Governor
This is the state's second-highest office, but the job is actually very limited in scope. The lieutenant governor presides over the state Senate during the General Assembly's winter sessions, and could break a tie vote. The job often has been a springboard to the governorship. Two Republicans and four Democrats are competing for their parties' nominations in the primary.
Attorney General
The attorney general is the lawyer for the state government. This office provides legal advice to the governor and state agencies and represents them in court. Like the lieutenant governor's job, it can be a stepping stone to higher office. Two candidates are competing for the Republican nomination in the primary. The Democrat is unopposed.
House of Delegates
The 100 delegates face election every two years. The 40 state senators who hold four-year terms won't be up for election until 2007. There are Democratic primaries in seven districts statewide. The Republicans are holding primaries in 12 districts.
Next: Who to Watch
