RICHMOND
As Hampton Roads goes, so may Virginia in next Tuesday's presidential election.
That's the reason Democrat Barack Obama is coming to Norfolk tonight to hold a rally that could strain the capacity of Harbor Park, which seats 12,000. Sources in Republican John McCain's campaign say privately that they expect their candidate to visit the region before Election Day.
Political scientists and pollsters say the results in recent Virginia elections, including races for governor and U.S. Senate, establish a maxim: To win the state, a Democrat must carry about 60 percent of the vote in Northern Virginia and win a majority in one other region.
In 2006, Jim Webb, a Democrat, won the U.S. Senate election by carrying Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. A year earlier, Timothy M. Kaine, also a Democrat, was elected governor by carrying the same regions.
Polls show that Obama is easily meeting his quota in Northern Virginia and that Hampton Roads is his best shot - and perhaps his only realistic hope - in carrying a much-needed second region.
"Hampton Roads is critical," said J. Bradford Coker, managing director of Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc. "There's no place else in the state that is as tightly contested as Hampton Roads."
Larry Sabato, a University of Virginia political scientist, said: "As long as Obama does well in Hampton Roads, he should do well in Virginia."
The Old Dominion, which has not supported a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964, has been considered a key swing state this fall, although in the past week many pundits have started to classify it as leaning toward Obama.
Eight different polls this month have shown Obama ahead in Virginia, although his lead has varied from 2 to 10 percentage points.
Obama appears to be leading in Hampton Roads, but again, the numbers fluctuate. Obama had a regional 5-percentage-point lead in a Mason-Dixon poll released last week; he had a 17-percentage-point lead in a poll The Washington Post published Monday.
Hampton Roads has a history of being a swing region with a diverse population. In recent presidential elections, it backed Republican George Bush twice - but by just a whisker in 2000. The region supported Democrat Bill Clinton's re-election in 1996 but favored George H.W. Bush in 1992 instead of Clinton.
Handlers for Obama and McCain, while calling Hampton Roads important, stop short of calling it key to Virginia.
"We can win without Hampton Roads, but we don't plan to lose there," said Gail Gitcho, communications director for McCain's mid-Atlantic region campaign.
Kevin Griffis, a spokesman for Obama's Virginia campaign, said: "There are a handful of places that have the potential to swing one way or another this election, and we're not taking any of them for granted."
Obama also will appear at James Madison University in Harrisonburg today in what will be his ninth visit to the state since spring. McCain has visited Virginia three times over the same period.
Griffis said the campaign is hoping the Norfolk rally will convince undecided voters to support Obama. Polls are showing that only about 5 to 8 percent of voters remain undecided, and their numbers are dwindling.
Sabato said the overriding goal of Obama's appearance will be to motivate his backers to cast ballots and to work to ensure a large Democratic turnout on Election Day.
"This is all about the intensity of the base," he said. "Virginia is not one of those states where Obama can let up."
Gary Byler, 2nd District Republican chairman, said Obama's repeated visits to the area are a sign that the Democrat's polling indicates he has a real chance to carry Virginia.
Byler said local and state party leaders have been urging the McCain campaign to step up its visibility in Hampton Roads, and "we think there is a substantial chance that we'll get another visit" by McCain or his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, by Election Day.
Given the size of past Obama rallies in the area, tonight's event could strain the capacity of Harbor Park, which seats 12,000. No tickets are required, but admission will be first come, first served. Gates open at 7 p.m., and the rally is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m.
Limited on-site parking is available. Attendees are encouraged to use the MacArthur Center Garage and other downtown lots.
Warren Fiske, (804) 697-1565, warren.fiske@pilotonline.com
Bill Sizemore, (757) 446-2276, bill.sizemore@pilotonline.com
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ElectricPaul
Pennies an hour? No freedom of religion? I suggest you educate yourself on Canada, United Kingdom, France, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the list goes on and on. Most of which haver FAR better medical care, huge amounts of their workforce unionized, FAR better fringe benefits, freedom from having religious measures legislated on them, AND they STILL manage to average more per hour then the average US worker in compensation, which makes their wealth disparity far closer, and the average worker far happier as a result. Amazing.
The primary reasons nobody is flocking to these countries (from the USA) are language barriers, lack of finanical means, tight immigration policies in these countries and the fact that the rest of the world HATES Americans.
As for running with the big dogs, I prefer to run ahead of them. If you are the definition of a "big dog" I am comfortably far ahead.
At least I have a job gertzy...
...LOL! :-)
electricalpaul
You are doing job. Please keep it up?
socialist and anti-American
Gov. Palin and Sen. McCain call me a socialist and anti-American.
That's their idea of uniting the country in a time of crisis.
Sen. McCain should suspend his campaign until he replaced all of his lobbyists that are running his campaign as well as his VP.
If they want to see socialism and anti-American they need to stay in Europe for a while. The US is the only country in the world where the middle class gives billions in donations each year. A tradition that can only continue if they can afford it.
As Powell said during a real Republican Convention, corporate welfare is first in line for elimination. In this country success was never measured by the size of our wallets. Success was when the Berlin Wall finally came down and victory in the Persian Gulf War. Sen. McCain should know better that you do not become rich with a career in the military or any other public service, and that not everyone marries a rich wife like he did.
Good one Richard...and coolguyateone...I guess...
that's why millions of Americans are flocking to these countries where they are soooo much happier than we are and aren't allowed to FREELY exercise ANY religion they CHOOSE! And we can work menial jobs for pennies an hour. You can't run with the big dogs lameguy so stay on the porch. Gertzy, Gertzy gertzzzzzzzy...you are soooo boring....
Firefighters and Police officers are a necessary part of society that provides the public with a measure of safety. THEY EARN their pay while the many millions of people who have a ZERO tax liability reap the benefits of EIC, WIC, Head Start, Bussing, Schooling, Breakfast, Lunch, before school care, after school care get theirs by means of redistributed wealth. Interstate highways help to ensure interstate COMMERCE and have been paid for decades ago. Maintaining them has not been an issue. You should stay off the porch and stay inside!
electralpaul keep up the good work because
"I am a socialists. I carry a Social Security Card, Medicare Card and a Library Card. I love our socialist fire department, police department and schools. Except for the potholes, we even like driving on the socialist interstate highways.
The younger generation should also appreciate Social Security and Medicare; otherwise, you would need to have your parents move in with you and pay their medical bills. What would be left for your children??"
This is a quote from another poster, but it's one I agree with.
Once electricalpaul keep up the good work! You are not doing McCain or the republican party any good.
coolguy
Please do not leave out the fact that you would not have free access tothe internet in any of those countries. As for being gay in them, it is often illegal. Cuba for example actually removes those with AID's from society.
Electricpaul
Almost EVERY country that is heavily socialized has a much higher level of happiness amongst their people then the United States. Turns out, the millions of poor people the few rich people stepped on to get where they are, arent too thrilled about life. Most socialized countries have just as many rights or MORE then the US has. Much of the rest of the world has moved past the religious battle the US is pitched in over gay marriage and abortion, and laughs about how the argument even exists. Before you toot the US horn, you should be aware how backward the US is on many issues on a global scale.
All I did gertzy was point out some facts you don't like...
I never mentioned the frienship he has with Franklin Raines and others who profited tens of millions of dollars from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. My life is about ME and I cannot live your pitiful life or anyone of elses. You can continue to ignore relevent issues or gloss over his SOCIALIST views all you want but it doesn't change the fact you don't have a clue when it comes to this topic. Would you take the time to show me ONE country that espouses the socialist view you and Obama have that has as much liberty as we have? And if you are going to blame the bad economy of the past year on Bush you have to credit him with the 7 years of economic boom. It's not a coincidence that it went downhill after the libs took over both houses. Obama with his vast experience should made a difference didn't he?
electrialpaula
Submitted by electricpaul on Wed, 10/29/2008 at 2:35 pm.
Unable to reply? What a pity you can't back up your feeble platitudes!"
And all you can do is bash people who don't agree with you. Grow up! Life is not about YOU, and peope will always disagree especially with ignorance.
I am grateful for one thing, it's people like you that will help McCain lose this election. Keep up the good work!
who is Sarah Palin?
How about Joe and Mary the Soldier, Gov. Palin? They have not been getting paid for serving their 3rd or 4th tour in Iraq and Afghanistan, as Junior refused to listen to his dad and Powell.
As Powell said in 1996, President George Bush, who took us through the end of the Cold War and the defeat of communism. George Bush the statesman, George Bush the statesman and my boss who led us to a great victory in the Persian Gulf War. Ronald Reagan, the great communicator, who gave voice and image to the power of democracy as the way to a better future for all the people of the world. He will be remembered for many things, but, for me, the soldier, the soldiers like Scott O'Grady who we heard moments ago, Pres. Reagan will always be the president who restored the fighting strength and spirit of America's Armed Forces.
How dare you use Reagan's name Gov. Palin. You have nothing in common with the party of Reagan.
Gertzy
Unable to reply? What a pity you can't back up your feeble platitudes!
Rare thing . . .
This is the first time in 18 years of living here I can remember Virginia being up for grabs in a Presidential election. For the longest time, Republicans could count on Virginia and especially Hampton Roads, voting in their favor for their candidates. It says a lot when Democratic candidates are spending so much time and effort in this state and in Hampton Roads in particular. If Obama wins Virginia and this area, the GOP will join Cornwallis with having a reason to play the song 'The World Turned Upside-Down.'
she wants more power?????
"Sarah Palin. She has already said she wants more power for the VP."
How can we give her more power when she doesn't even know the job description?
Orion
Its not lazy, the opportunity cost simply isnt worth it to me. Id rather not take any more time of my day, considering these board post have no value to any reality based mode.
Please explain to me what opportunities Johnnie has (and dont BS me with the "liberal slant" line, MILLIONS of kids grow up in Johnnie's shoes, whether you care to recognize it or not). A substandard education? Lack of medicine, clothes and possibly food? Job Corps where he can be trained in a low paying "career", for an employer that passes their costs on to tax payers, or take a job in construction which continues to be one of the most laid off occupations? The military, so he can be killed in the endless US world policing operations? What kind of "opportunities" are these? They sound like a bunch of risky sacrifices to me that have a high chance of leaving him worse off then he started, not opportunities. Then you wonder why so many turn to criminal activity or become dependent on government handouts.
Redistribution of wealth
Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read ‘Vote Obama, I need the money.’ In the restaurant my server had on a ‘Obama 08? tie.
The bill came I decided not to tip the server & explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need–the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.
Outside, gave the homeless guy $5.The homeless guy was grateful.
I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the recipient was more in need of the money.
Redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application
enemies of Democracy
Our enemies do not appreciate Democracy or our way of life, they have to tried to kill Reagan and Bush Senior too, and they can try the same thing with Obama or McCain. It's no longer an American event, they have attacked Democracy in Europe in recent years as well. It's about time we cut off the head of the snake and kill it.
The likelyhood of Biden taken over the White House like Cheney did, is much less likely than with Sarah Palin. She has already said she wants more power for the VP.
poor poor gertzy...I hit a tender spot didn't I?
Ha-ha-ha-ha! YOU have no concept of reality. You forget that you liberals have been in charge of both houses for TWO YEARS! What did they do to prevent this economic downturn? I'll be nice and help you by spelling it out N-O-T-H-I-N-G! Isn't it amazing that when the price of oil began going up that the economy took a turn for the worse? What did Pelosi/Reid do about it? I won't spell it for you again. Instead liberals like Tim Kaine wanted to raise taxes! How does that help me save money? He wanted a what 20-30 cent increase in the gas tax! How does that help me? You can't throw it back when you don't even pick the ball up! You just can't get over 2000 & 2004 can you? If Gore really was the "Alpha Male" you liberals perpetrated him to be he would have run again in 04. But he didn't. Just put it in writing. Is Obama a S-O-C-I-A-L-I-S-T or not?
Gertznopoint
I for one would be more worried about having a blowhard like Biden for president if something happened to Obuma !!
7 days before the election. who is Sarah Palin?
Senator McCain was against the Bush tax cuts. Now he is supporting another round of the same welfare for Wall Street. I could have served on Wall Street myself but I chose not to. Senator McCain knows very well you do not become rich with a career in the military, and not everyone marries a rich wife like Senator McCain did.
Instead of answering questions like any other VP, she has the nerves to call me a socialist and anti-american while suggesting they want to unite the country.
How about Joe and Mary the soldier, Gov. Palin?
As General Powell said during a real Republican convention, corporate welfare is first in line for elimination. Why are you bringing Rudy to Virginia? Where is WWII Veteran John Warner and where is WWII Veteran Bush Senior?
Obama's Character
Can be judged if you view the videos on this Web site:
WhyIVoteDemocrat.com
Obama Plan - Don't call him a Socialist
Joe the Plumber made a simple observation that unclogged the Obama message. The majority of the wealth has been controlled by the minority of the people in this country for a long time. Obama is not going to really change that. He is just going to take from the hard-working and the wealthy and give to the lazy and the not working.
Joe the Plumber has cleared up the waters on the the message, CHANGE WE DON"T NEED.
re: Orion, Kstebritz
coolguy81 wrote:
Uh, how we write and speak is a direct reflection of how we are perceived. The fact you don't care [to do a 60 second check] shows an inherent laziness and explains your feeling in the matter, but I digress...
...and maybe youll realize how each of you pick at Johnnie's parents, and blame the parent's actions or "choices", however, how is Johnnie responsible for that?
It is unfortunate, but did you read my second post, go back, read it and do your research. Don't quote me statistics, everyone has opportunities and the lazy take the easy way out.
Why, exactly, do you believe this is fair?
In case you haven't noticed life isn't fair, but you make of it what you have, and again, you take every opportunity you can to excel and advance. It is not my responsibility to house, feed, raise and educate any child but my own as unfortunate and unfair as it may be.
electricalpaul get over it
Submitted by electricpaul on Tue, 10/28/2008 at 5:16 pm.
Socialism is THE ISSUE! Are you incapable of rational thought or does the concept of capitalism escape you? You are nothing more than an apologist for a glorified socialist liberal democrat candidate."
It's your problem you can't see the failure of Bush and translate that to the 90% of John McCains support. So get over your attack of me, because one thing for sure, you sling it in my direction I'll throw it back at you.
You migh think your opinion is the only one that matters, but come Nov. 5th you will be singing a differenct song. John McCain adn the diva Sarah Palin don't stand a chance even here in VA. Good luck with you McCain/Palin like rants.
get a life Gertz...
Socialism is THE ISSUE! Are you incapable of rational thought or does the concept of capitalism escape you? You are nothing more than an apologist for a glorified socialist liberal democrat candidate. The last true Democrat (POTUS) said "ask not what your country can do for you -ask what you can do for your country." He is the one Democrat you people like to point to as the greatest POTUS in modern history and yet he didn't believe in "spreading the wealth around" did he? Yet here is Obama dangling the proverbial carrot, baiting you with his handouts for your vote! The truth Gertz? Obama and Ayers ARE tied. Obama wants to redistribute the wealth. The truth Gertz is being ignored BY YOU!
Orion, Kstebritz
Orion, about you grammar pokes, turns out I dont have the time nor do I care to check over my pilotonline message board post to make sure they are in publishing quality grammar. Some us have jobs and other concerns in life. It must be nice to have that type of leisure time to proof read conversational English and nit pick it.
Each of you need to read your reply over, and maybe youll realize how each of you pick at Johnnie's parents, and blame the parent's actions or "choices", however, how is Johnnie responsible for that? Why does Johnnie have to fight an uphill battle at birth that, statistically, almost no one in his situation is able to overcome? Why, exactly, do you believe this is fair? Shouldnt Johnnie get the same shake as Jane? Why is Jane going to lead a life which will require her to openly try to fail, to not be financially sound, and Johnnie gets to lead a life where its almost impossible for him to ever succeed, based completely on the situation they were born in?
Election
May God help us if Obama is elected! This country has already started down the drain, and if Obama is elected, the flushing will be complete.
There will be so much fraud in this election, such as the voters on the rolls in Mississippi,some of which died years ago,but will vote in this election for Obama. I wonder if ACORN signed them up? In all of the years I have voted, I am really afraid of the outcome of this one, and I really shouldn't be. I don't understand why people think Obama is "so great". he had no leadership training,never held an office where he had to make decisions which would affect people, and yet we are ready to elect him to the greatest most powerful office in the world. Why??? Read his books that he wrote and if you have any common sense, they will scare the hell out of you, on some of the things which this man put on paper. I have heard people say that the ancients predicted the end of the world in the year 2012, which would be the end of an Obama Presidenicy as well. So, before you pull the lever next week,take a second to think about what you are doing. This country is too great to be flushed down the toilet.
Lies of Obama
Virginia…
Barack Obama wants to give full entitlements to illegal aliens: health care, driver's licenses (easy access to your jobs), etc.
He says he is for tax cuts, but in truth he will be terrible for ANY small businesses. He is raising social security pay-ins for everyone (4%/couple), and he is raising capital gains and corporate taxes which will kill new jobs and drive them overseas.
Do NOT believe the mainstream media - you have been DUPED. This article written just today by ABCnews admits it: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/Story?id=6099188&page=1
Please do your research first - do NOT just blindly vote for Obama, the most liberal senator EVER. It is NOT worth giving this country over to a democratic monopoly who will kill our American way of life as we know it.
Obama will cut the military and be tested, Biden admitted it.
Palin for President
Just because you are the Vice President doesn't mean you will become the next President. I don't know why everyone keeps bringing up Palin. Most Vice Presidents don't do squat. I would imagine this would be the same situation.
Compare Obama and McCain. Not Obama and Palin.
do you want sarah palin as president?
If John McCain wins this election then Sarah Palin is in line for the highest elected position in our country.
Do you want Sarah Palin as president?