Poll finds governor's race tight in Virginia

[Judi Lynn]

Sept. 18, 2005, 8:51PM

Poll finds governor's race tight in Virginia
Associated Press

RICHMOND, VA. - A new statewide poll published Sunday shows the Democratic and Republican candidates running about even in the Virginia governor's race.

Republican Jerry Kilgore, a former attorney general, was the choice of 41 percent, compared with 40 percent who favored Democratic Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine.

Because the results are within the margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points, the difference is statistically insignificant. About 6 percent supported independent Russ Potts, a Republican state senator at odds with the GOP.
(snip)

http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/politics/3359221
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[Melodybe]

1. Does Virginia have Diebold?

[...of J.Temperance]

2. I'm not sure, but I'm hoping

That Tim Kaine wins, Jerry Kilgore is your typical Right-Wing Crazed Fundie.

I thought Governor Mark Warner's popularity would have helped Kaine A LOT more than it has. Governor Warner's been very good for Virginia, you'd think the people would WANT a continuation of his policies in the form of Lt. Governor Kaine...and NOT a step backwards with Jerry Kilgore, who is on par with former Governor and former RNC Chairman Jim Gilmore.

Jaysus, WILL people NEVER learn? Possibly not :(

[indigo]

3. and kaine isn't a fundie?

Let's see. Wants to reduce marriage license tax for couples who agree to state-sanctioned counseling. Terri Schiavo, anyone? I thought Dems were supposed to stay out of your private life.

Pro-life.

Believes in "abstinence education".

Jaysus, perhaps some Dems in VA are a little spooked by all the god talk and pro-life propaganda in a state that polls pro-choice.

[...of J.Temperance]

4. Yeah but, he's good on the issues that help the most

Vulnerable in our society...the elderly, the poor, the sick. Personally, I'm pro-Choice, but I have NO problem with a Democrat who's pro-Life...if I can agree with them on 80% of the issues, then thats good enough for me. I think it's absurd and not healthy to want to be able to agree with a politician on 100% of the issues.

I've got some friends in Richmond, Virginia, around that area, they're all Democrats, all pro-Choice and they ADORE Governor Warner and they really like Lt. Governor Tim Kaine and they've told me a lot about how crazy Jerry Kilgore is. So I'm hoping that the 100 percenters can hold their noses and vote for Kaine.

[indigo]

7. Hardly 100%'ers

Add on separation of church and state, and the sorry state of scientific research in this country due to pro-lifers.

[godai]

5. in 2004 voting...

I'm in Virginia and I used an electronic voting machine in the last (s)election. Not sure of the brand etc.

[Gin]

6. Has anyone heard the voice on Kilgore? It's as disgusting as shrubs.

Maybe more. He sounds like a very short funny actor I saw on Will and Grace. On that guy the voice was funny. On Kilgore...its disgusting.

P.S. In Hampton Roads we still use paper ballots.

[lynne]

10. I'm in Northern VA and we use the old lever type -

- voting machine though some of the polls had computers available that you had a choice of using if you wished. I stayed with the tried-and-true lever type.

I know that Kilgore's voice - high pitched with a SW VA accent - has been a topic of debate in VA. I personally do not consider the voice or appearance of a candidate when voting as I don't see that it has anything to do with ability.

[MountainLaurel]

18. In Fairfax City

We didn't get a choice -- they only had the touch-screen versions.

[abluelady]

11. Not Sure of the Brand

but I think more of VA's counties vote into black boxes than not. The State is in the process of hearings to determine what the law should be. My guess is who the next Governor is will have some impact on that. So it is very, very important that we get out the Kaine vote.

[rfkrfk]

8. Warner is not running? why not?

term limit?
does not want to?

[DemsUnited]

9. VA has a STUPID 1 term limit law so Warner cannot run again

Mark Warner's ruled out challenging George Allen for 2006 Senate seat and is instead seriously exploring Presidential bid in 2008. He also has opportunity to go for John Warner's (potentially open) 2010 Senate -- John Warner is widely expected to retire in 2010.

[underpants]

12. I've still not got an good count on how many EX governors we have

around here.

Yes that is a stupid rule but then it helps to create a ready field of politicians....which we obviously need.

[underpants]

13. HA! just last week it was Kilgroe45- Kaine 41`-Potts 5

Seems Tim is coming on strong. Must be from those GREAT TV commercials

[ruggerson]

14. Saw the debate on C - Span

Kaine killed him. I would expect a big bump in the polls as a result. Kaine literally wiped the floor with Kilgore.

[Robbins]

15. Polls

They have had Kilgore In the lead by several points so the tie Is a
good sign now. If Democrats keep the Governorships In both Virginia,
and New Jearsy this Is a good sign for 2006.

[underpants]

19. Local recap said there was open laughter at Kilgore's abortion position

apprently Russert exposed that Kilgore is trying to sit on at least two sides of the fence and the audience was laughing at what he had said and what he said at the debate. I didn't see it that is just what was reported.

[RedCloud]

16. Kaine getting the word out on military areas.

Just yesterday, I was pleasantly shocked to see hundreds of Kaine signs in and around the military bases. Usually the repugnants usurp all the spots. And Kaine was starting to launch his attacks on Kilgore for wanting to cut education in Virginia. (Education plays big in Va.)

And on the radio how Kilgore slipped and mentioned that with the republicans lowering the income taxes, counties can raise the property taxes to any level they want to accommodate. (I always felt that this was the big reason behind the ridiculous surge in housing prices: to offset any tax breaks as most folks do not look past their income tax or sales tax.)

Anyway, Kilgore has that pathetic last name going for him. How would the repugs feels if we had "Kilbush" as our candidate?

[onenote]

17. the key is going to be voter turnout

Northern Virginia in particular has a lot of "federal Democrats" -- Dems that show up for Presidential, Congressional, and Senate elections, but tend to sit out years where only state races are on the ballot. Its important that the Dems show up for this race. As another poster mentioned, Democratic victories in New Jersey and Virginia will change the story line going into the 2006 elections to one that benefits Democrats.

onenote