It seems that the largest city in Virginia, long a Repbulican stronghold is trending Democrat. This bodes well for Fighting Democrat David Ashe in next year's Congressional election.
I was pleasently surprised by Tim Kaine's margin of victory yesterday. But I was simply dumbfounded to learn that he had actually eeked out a victory in my city, Virginia Beach. Four years ago Mark Warner lost VA Beach by over 6,000 votes (53 percent to 46) and just last year George Bush creamed John Kerry by almost 20 points (59 to 40). And yet last night there stood Tim Kaine with 647 more voters than Kilgoore (48.63 percent to 47.96.) This is even more amazing when you consider that Tim Kaine has NO TIES to Virginia Beach. The only Beach resident on any state wide ticket was the Republican Attorney General Candidate, Bob McDonnell. Mr. McDonnel by the way won the vote out here by 13,700 votes. As of the last count his statewide lead was LESS THAN 2,000 votes out of over two million cast. (For perspective consider that almost 1,700 people voted for write-in candidates.) If he does pull this election out for the GOP it will be a shame. But the fact that the top of the DEM ticket ran 14 points better than the hometown guy is great news. Next year Iraq war veteran David Ashe will run against 1st term incumbent Thelma Drake in Virginia's second districts. He turned a lot of heads by making the election close last time. If VA Beach continues to trend blue, we can dilodge a Republican incument from the house. I am very encouraged today. (www.asheforcongress.com)