Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Potts no quitter... Where's Dougie?
So, Senator Russ held a press conference today to denounce the attacks by Jerry Kilgore, and to announce that he's staying in the race. Seriously.
He also claimed that he has more support than the polls show. I think he'll garner only about 2-3 percent in the election, as people will be willing to go out on a limb for a telephone poll, but either won't show up on election, or can't pull the trigger on pulling the lever for the independent.
It's clear that Russ is disenchanted with the current state of the Republican party. I think he knows that if he dropped out, it would boost Kilgore. Of his measley 4-5% of voters, probably 70% in my estimation would go to Jerry, but that's enough to tip the election. That's why he's staying in.
To me, a bigger story in this election so far has to be Doug Wilder. We're still awaiting his endorsement for Governor, with just about a week to go.
Today, he sent a letter to Creigh Deeds saying he would not support his candidacy because of Creigh's support loosening some gun restrictions. Doug says this is the first time since he started in politics he has not supported a Democratic candidate in a statewide office (what about Chuck Robb's runs years ago? public support then?) This is a blow to Creigh, who needed a boost in Richmond to try to combat McDonnell's strong showing in DC, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. I think we can officially call this race, because without a Doug endorsement, Creigh just won't have enough punch to make up the difference. I'll call it, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it.
When it comes to Governor, Wilder has to be close to endorsing Kaine, but this close to the election it can't have that much of an effect. He dangled his endorsement in an attempt to strongarm Warner into putting money into a fund helping the poor pay their heating costs this winter, but the Gov did not bite. I anticipate a nod to Kaine later this week, possibly on Friday (because that's when news viewership is lowest, as a sign that he's doing it, but he's not exactly happy about it). Will it mean anything? Not nearly as much as it would have about two weeks ago.
I'm glad the death penalty ads have quieted down. I didn't like them at all to begin with, and there are much more important matters. Whether a dozen or so murderers get the gas doesn't quite compare with the major issues like transportation, the budget surplus, and Virginia's fiscal outlook over the next biennium.
So sit back, grab some 'corn, and enjoy the rest of the ride. It's going to be bumpy, but the end is in sight.
He also claimed that he has more support than the polls show. I think he'll garner only about 2-3 percent in the election, as people will be willing to go out on a limb for a telephone poll, but either won't show up on election, or can't pull the trigger on pulling the lever for the independent.
It's clear that Russ is disenchanted with the current state of the Republican party. I think he knows that if he dropped out, it would boost Kilgore. Of his measley 4-5% of voters, probably 70% in my estimation would go to Jerry, but that's enough to tip the election. That's why he's staying in.
To me, a bigger story in this election so far has to be Doug Wilder. We're still awaiting his endorsement for Governor, with just about a week to go.
Today, he sent a letter to Creigh Deeds saying he would not support his candidacy because of Creigh's support loosening some gun restrictions. Doug says this is the first time since he started in politics he has not supported a Democratic candidate in a statewide office (what about Chuck Robb's runs years ago? public support then?) This is a blow to Creigh, who needed a boost in Richmond to try to combat McDonnell's strong showing in DC, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. I think we can officially call this race, because without a Doug endorsement, Creigh just won't have enough punch to make up the difference. I'll call it, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it.
When it comes to Governor, Wilder has to be close to endorsing Kaine, but this close to the election it can't have that much of an effect. He dangled his endorsement in an attempt to strongarm Warner into putting money into a fund helping the poor pay their heating costs this winter, but the Gov did not bite. I anticipate a nod to Kaine later this week, possibly on Friday (because that's when news viewership is lowest, as a sign that he's doing it, but he's not exactly happy about it). Will it mean anything? Not nearly as much as it would have about two weeks ago.
I'm glad the death penalty ads have quieted down. I didn't like them at all to begin with, and there are much more important matters. Whether a dozen or so murderers get the gas doesn't quite compare with the major issues like transportation, the budget surplus, and Virginia's fiscal outlook over the next biennium.
So sit back, grab some 'corn, and enjoy the rest of the ride. It's going to be bumpy, but the end is in sight.
