Over the weekend the DNC went into overdrive to try to dissuade the notion that they had virtually given up on the race. Pledging an ‘additional $1 million’ to Deeds (no mention of that $5 million that’s yet to appear) plus a quote from full-time DNC Chair and part-time lame duck Governor Tim Kaine, Virginia Dems were fired up, seeing the silver lining and what will become a clear path to the Governor’s Mansion….right?
So now with another poll showing all three Republican candidates leading by double-digits, Creigh Deeds preparing for prime-time debate that is sure to be disastrous (mean-spirited as Sheila Johnson was, she did have a point), thesis traction moving back towards Bob McDonnell, picking up votes every time Deeds utters the word, what momentum does the Deeds camp have? The MSM-generated ‘controversy’ of Sheila Johnson can only lightly graze Bob McDonnell; it wasn’t as if Bob set up the punchline and slapped her on the back as she told the joke. Is there an October Surprise on the horizon, another thesis story? At this point, that would further backfire on Deeds.
Meanwhile, national Dems are realizing exactly what is going on in Virginia and thanking their lucky stars for New Jersey, a complete 180 from this summer. Now that Corzine has caught Christie (CQ Politics reports a new poll will show him in the lead tomorrow) Democrats have a race they feel they actually have a chance at winning. Bob’s focus on message, the economy and improving transportation has been steadfast, regardless how many times Deeds can scream thesis.
And make no mistake, President Obama, short of a huge swing in the polls, will not visit the state again before the election. After his tremendously embarrassing Olympic rejection, Obama will have to use his political capital in places that are actually in play. Regardless of how DPVA and Deeds campaign would like to spin things or see a half full glass, Virginia is cruising towards a Republican resurgence in Richmond.
UPDATE:
This tidbit from Robert Gibb’s White House Briefing today:
Q This is on the Virginia governors’ race. Given the increasing Republican spending and the tightening of the race, does the White House have any change in strategy, or are you, as it might seem recently, pulling back a little bit from endorsements in that race?
MR. GIBBS: No, I would — the President is strongly supportive of Creigh Deeds. And in terms of spending decisions, I’ve — those obviously are made at the DNC. I would direct you toward them. But —
Q Does the President have any appearances on Deeds’ behalf, coming up?
MR. GIBBS: I don’t have a schedule for later on in the month in front of me.
Yeah…hold your breath waiting for that schedule folks!
