Comments on: LG Bloggers’ Day – Frank Atkinson

By: vjp

vjp — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:25:28 +0000

Since 1973, VA has elected a governor from the party opposite that in the White House. Reason: the VA gubernatorial election tends to behave like the first mid-term election of the presidency.

Also, because there is a large number of independents in VA, people like to have divided government.

By: vjp

vjp — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:23:29 +0000

Economic growth – the party who has won the gubernatorial election at the beginning of this, continues to win. That’s part of the reason why we have these 2-term runs for the parties.

By: vjp

vjp — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:19:27 +0000

In his opinion, VA has long been a purple state.

If you look at the end of each decade, Congressional representation followed the same path as of party dominance of the decade.

Look at the last 7 Senate races: 4 R wins, 3 D wins.

VA is simply a competitive state.

By: vjp

vjp — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:16:36 +0000

VA may have voted Rs for president but in the last 7 governorships, 5 have been Ds. If you go back 40 years, it is evenly split.

By: vjp

vjp — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:15:45 +0000

Rural areas are becoming more suburban and conservative-leaning independents. Suburban growing areas are becoming more Democratic.

By: vjp

vjp — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:14:14 +0000

Very competitive state, with streaks being run by the parties. 70s was a Republican decade, 1980s was a Democratic decade, 1990s was a Republican decade and this decade could go either way.

By: vjp

vjp — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:12:23 +0000

Surburban independent swing voters are a large chunk of the electorate.