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Nothing purple about Virginia now

By: Mark Tapscott
Editorial Page Editor
11/03/09 10:28 PM EST

One year ago, Barack Obama did something that no Democrat had done since LBJ, carrying Virginia for Democrats in a presidential race, garnerng 53 percent of the vote in a record turnout. Democrats everywhere pointed to Virginia as the bell-weather state, moving from being solidly red to purple and on its way to being fully blue.

What a difference one year makes! Or more precisely, what a difference is made by a $787 billion economic stimulus package, a complete government take-over of the one-sixth of the economy represented by the health care system, and a world apology tour in which an American president repeatedly confessed the nation's alleged international sins.

Bob McDonnell appears headed to winning 58-60 percent of the vote, as are both of two GOP running mates, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, and Ken Cuccinelli, as Attorney General. The GOP almost certainly will gain seats in the state House as well, perhaps as many as 10.

What does it mean for next year's congressional races? Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform offers this thought:

“Obama received 53 percent of the vote in Virginia in 2008. Watch what percentage of the vote the Democrat gubernatorial candidate Deeds receives. Then compare the drop off in Democrat vote percentage to the winning margins of sitting Democrats. That will tell you how many Dems may lose in 2010--No popular Obama on the ballot and no Bush to kick around as in 2008.”

One thing is certain - the fundamental narrative of national politics has changed in a very big way tonight.

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publius

Nov 4, 2009

McDonnel's victory should not be misinterpreted. His oponent was a bumbler who had no message other than an implied one of higher taxes. McDonnel does not promise higher taxes, proposing to sell the state liquor stores instead. What's next? Sell the statehouse? Sell the state roads and bridges? McDonnel has neglected the big savings that every state needs - bring strate government employee pay in line with the private sector pay for the same work. This would produce a 30% budget surplus and enable a huge tax cut which in turn would stimulate jobs. Why are state employees paid so much more? Mainly because of cola adjusted retirement and lifetime family medical benefits awarded after as little as 20 years service. Neither Republicans nor Democrats are willing to go after this obvious area needing reform. Thus neither party offers much in terms of good and efficient state government.

ggordon

Nov 4, 2009

just as Obama's should not have been misinterpreted. Jersey went too.
Common theme too with Obama's opponent - a bumbler without much of a message to differentiate him.

dave

Nov 6, 2009

The Democrats will lose nearly all of the seats they gained in the last two elections, as well as their advantage in the Senate. Then after Obama is sent back to Illinois to craft his memoirs in 2013, we can perhaps fix this mess that this bunch of illiterate statists have created.

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Nothing purple about Virginia now

By: Mark Tapscott
Editorial Page Editor
11/03/09 10:28 PM EST