Virginia Is Next Key Battleground For Dems

Washington Post: Clinton, Obama Each Claim To Be Best Candidate To Win State In November

(Washingtonpost.com)  This story was written by Tim Craig and Anita Kumar.

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As Virginians prepare to vote in tomorrow's Democratic primary, both Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton are claiming to be the candidate with the best chance of winning the state in the Nov. 4 general election.

Virginia's choice is especially important because the state could be one that switches sides and helps put a Democrat in the White House.

Although it hasn't supported a Democratic nominee for president since Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, the state has been turning more Democratic, especially in the Washington suburbs. Party leaders believe the Democrats could carry the state if the nominee can solidify the party's expanding base in Northern Virginia and reach out to Virginia's many rural voters.

During a speech Saturday night at the Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner in Richmond, Obama argued that he is the most likely to win Virginia in the fall because he has proven he can get votes from independents.

"Virginia Democrats know how important this is. That's how Mark Warner won in this state. That's how Tim Kaine won in this state. That's how Jim Webb won in this state," Obama said. "And if I am your nominee, this is one Democrat who plans to campaign in Virginia and win in Virginia this fall."

But Clinton stressed at the dinner that she, too, would fight hard to win Virginia, unlike many past Democratic nominees who conceded the state months before the general election. Clinton said she "has the strength and experience to lead the country" and can go "toe-to-toe" with Sen. John McCain, the likely Republican nominee.

Voters are having the same debate, saying their choice tomorrow will hinge not only on issues but also on which candidate would present a stronger challenge to McCain. Obama's supporters argue that he offers a break with the past and an appeal to national unity that can unlock Virginia's 13 electoral votes for the Democrats. Clinton's camp points to her experience and more moderate voting record.

"You want the Democratic ticket to get into the White House, and I think McCain would eat Obama alive," Gene Carlson of McLean said. "I have no problem with him as a person or a senator, but I think he's not in the same league as his opponents. Give him another 20 years."

Beverly Katz of Arlington County countered that Obama has an advantage because he opposed the war in Iraq from the start. "It's a really big issue for Democrats," Katz said. "He'd stand up better against McCain."

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), all three Democratic members of Virginia's House delegation and half of the Democrats in the state Senate have endorsed Obama.

"I think we are kind of tired of being taken for granted," Kaine said. "We are anxious to be relevant in presidential politics, and we want our votes to matter, and that makes Virginia Democrats excited about Barack Obama."

Mo Elleithee, a Clinton spokesman, rebutted suggestions that Clinton would lose Virginia in a general election.

"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."

[user168-2009]

Unlike Hillary, he doesn''t have the know-how to survive their attacks. I have not seen one negative attack on Obama anywhere. He will not know how to deal with it.

Posted by hopetrumps


Hillary gets attacks because she says and does wicked things. Same as criminals get charged.

Wise and good people don''t usually get such attacks.

Why is there a post "How-To Guide For a Clinton Comeback"?

I''m sorry, she just can''t handle anything the right way. She needs help to do things ethically and correctly!

Of course, it is the DUMB that needs How-To Guide.

Who with wisdom needs How-To Guide?

Vote for Hillary is voting for a DUMB CLUCK.

Believe in Hillary is called DANGEROUS.

Love Hillary is to love NARCISSISM.

Follow Hillary is following the BLIND.

Answer: only the ignorant and the self-seeking would do the above.

[jheckerman]

I was shocked to hear that Obama "lost" all his State Senate records- Hillary did-not-suppress any of her records (he had -exactly- the same position on Iran as Hillary earlier this year, before he skipped that vote and flipped-flopped because he saw a political opportunity?)
I was let to believe he actually voted against the war.
So Obama smoked marijuana, did some cocaine, and still smokes cigarettes (though the latest reports claim that he is quitting).
Obama once voted against having mandatory medical care available for aborted fetuses which survive the procedure.
In March of last year, Obama voted to reauthorize the modified Patriot Act.
He is too inexperienced and too idealistic. He is too liberal, too fringe, he takes too strong a line on divisive issues. (Black & White- no grey)
Is America ready to gamble on a miracle? The last six years have so disheartened, so broken our nation that would we place our bets on a longshot and go for broke. Not at the risk of getting another Republican in office. Play the safe bet. Hillary Clinton

[jheckerman]

I was shocked to hear that Obama "lost" all his State Senate records- Hillary did-not-suppress any of her records (he had -exactly- the same position on Iran as Hillary earlier this year, before he skipped that vote and flipped-flopped because he saw a political opportunity?)
I was let to believe he actually voted against the war.
So Obama smoked marijuana, did some cocaine, and still smokes cigarettes (though the latest reports claim that he is quitting).
Obama once voted against having mandatory medical care available for aborted fetuses which survive the procedure.
In March of last year, Obama voted to reauthorize the modified Patriot Act.
He is too inexperienced and too idealistic. He is too liberal, too fringe, he takes too strong a line on divisive issues. (Black & White- no grey)
Is America ready to gamble on a miracle? The last six years have so disheartened, so broken our nation that would we place our bets on a longshot and go for broke. Not at the risk of getting another Republican in office. Play the safe bet. Hillary Clinton

[jheckerman]

I was shocked to hear that Obama "lost" all his State Senate records- Hillary did-not-suppress any of her records (he had -exactly- the same position on Iran as Hillary earlier this year, before he skipped that vote and flipped-flopped because he saw a political opportunity?)
I was led to believe he actually voted against the war. Obama once voted against having mandatory medical care available for aborted fetuses which survive the procedure. In March of last year, Obama voted to reauthorize the modified Patriot Act.
He is too inexperienced and too idealistic. He is too liberal, too fringe, he takes too strong a line on divisive issues. (Black & White- no grey)
Is America ready to gamble on a miracle? The last six years have so disheartened, so broken our nation that would we place our bets on a longshot and go for broke. Not at the risk of getting another Republican in office. Play the safe bet. Hillary Clinton

[jheckerman]

I was shocked to hear that Obama "lost" all his State Senate records- Hillary did-not-suppress any of her records (he had -exactly- the same position on Iran as Hillary earlier this year, before he skipped that vote and flipped-flopped because he saw a political opportunity?)
I was led to believe he actually voted against the war. Obama once voted against having mandatory medical care available for aborted fetuses which survive the procedure. In March of last year, Obama voted to reauthorize the modified Patriot Act.
He is too inexperienced and too idealistic. He is too liberal, too fringe, he takes too strong a line on divisive issues. (Black & White- no grey)
Is America ready to gamble on a miracle? The last six years have so disheartened, so broken our nation that would we place our bets on a longshot and go for broke. Not at the risk of getting another Republican in office. Play the safe bet. Hillary Clinton

[jheckerman]

I was shocked to hear that Obama "lost" all his State Senate records- Hillary did-not-suppress any of her records (he had -exactly- the same position on Iran as Hillary earlier this year, before he skipped that vote and flipped-flopped because he saw a political opportunity?)
I was led to believe he actually voted against the war.
So Obama smoked marijuana, did some cocaine, and still smokes cigarettes (though the latest reports claim that he is quitting).
Obama once voted against having mandatory medical care available for aborted fetuses which survive the procedure.
In March of last year, Obama voted to reauthorize the modified Patriot Act.
He is too inexperienced and too idealistic. He is too liberal, too fringe, he takes too strong a line on divisive issues. (Black & White- no grey)
Is America ready to gamble on a miracle? The last six years have so disheartened, so broken our nation that would we place our bets on a longshot and go for broke. Not at the risk of getting another Republican in office. Play the safe bet. Hillary Clinton

[jheckerman]

I was shocked to hear that Obama "lost" all his State Senate records- Hillary did-not-suppress any of her records (he had -exactly- the same position on Iran as Hillary earlier this year, before he skipped that vote and flipped-flopped because he saw a political opportunity?)
I was let to believe he actually voted against the war.
So Obama smoked marijuana, did some cocaine, and still smokes cigarettes (though the latest reports claim that he is quitting).
Obama once voted against having mandatory medical care available for aborted fetuses which survive the procedure.
In March of last year, Obama voted to reauthorize the modified Patriot Act.
He is too inexperienced and too idealistic. He is too liberal, too fringe, he takes too strong a line on divisive issues. (Black & White- no grey)
Is America ready to gamble on a miracle? The last six years have so disheartened, so broken our nation that would we place our bets on a longshot and go for broke. Not at the risk of getting another Republican in office. Play the safe bet. Hillary Clinton

[jheckerman]

I was shocked to hear that Obama "lost" all his State Senate records- Hillary did-not-suppress any of her records (he had -exactly- the same position on Iran as Hillary earlier this year, before he skipped that vote and flipped-flopped because he saw a political opportunity?)
I was let to believe he actually voted against the war.
So Obama smoked marijuana, did some cocaine, and still smokes cigarettes (though the latest reports claim that he is quitting).
Obama once voted against having mandatory medical care available for aborted fetuses which survive the procedure.
In March of last year, Obama voted to reauthorize the modified Patriot Act.
He is too inexperienced and too idealistic. He is too liberal, too fringe, he takes too strong a line on divisive issues. (Black & White- no grey)
Is America ready to gamble on a miracle? The last six years have so disheartened, so broken our nation that would we place our bets on a longshot and go for broke. Not at the risk of getting another Republican in office. Play the safe bet. Hillary Clinton

[user168-2009]

Questions for Hillary on her vote in supporting the Iraq War:

WHY MUST OTHERS DIE SO YOU SHOULD LIVE?

"... How many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?..."

%u201CHow could man rejoice in victory and delight in the slaughter of men, women, and children?%u201D

Hillary, to love children means wanting them to live!

"HELL is This Thing called WAR!"

"ONLY THE DEAD HAVE SEEN THE END OF WAR." Not Hillary?

Oh where, oh where were my Hillary phony tears when I needed thou most???

[truthradar]

CHELSEA CLINTON BROKE ELECTION LAWS, SO WHY DOES A LAW BREAKER GET TO INFLUENCE AND SMOOGE WITH SUPER DELEGATES?
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/story?id=4246640