I noted on Wednesday that one purpose for maintaining Virginia’s off-year election cycle was to insulate our contests from the passions and ideas of the national parties. Yet given the ease with which political money crosses state lines and the tendency of the media to look for early signs of emerging political trends, the exact opposite will occur in next November’s statewide races.
Put simply, the Virginia gubernatorial race in November, 2009, is the first election of the 2010 cycle.
In yesterday’s Washington Post, Anita Kumar does some excellent reporting on how the national Republican Party is hoping that a Bob McDonnell victory in November can be the catalyst for revitalizing the party’s fortunes in 2010. Numerous party officials and consultants testify to the significance of the race and their enthusiasm for McDonnell as a candidate. The key quote comes from Phil Musser, a consultant who works for Republican gubernatorial campaigns across the nation.
“You are going to see the (Republicans) throw the kitchen sink into the Virginia Governor’s race.”
I am not quite sure what the appropriate metphor is to describe what the opposite party tosses back when it has the kitchen sink thrown at them (if you have a suggestion, please let me know). But I am certain that the Democrats will find something to hurl at the Republicans.
The Governor’s race could turn out to be a $50 million crossfire between the Democrats and the Republicans. And if the candidates actually spend the money and focus their campaigns on developing public support for two or three big ideas about the future of the state, this could possibly work out well for Virginia. Kitchen sink and all.
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