problems involving Northam, Fairfax and Herring. I can tell you that, prior to these allegations, people in my circle (FWIW) did NOT view any of them as DINOs, and that perception is consistent with their records. At the same time, the Dem. party here is pragmatic and understands that this is becoming a purplish state, not a blue one, and they typically nominate "moderate" (but not right leaning) gubernatorial candidates because they believe that is what it takes to win.
I am unaware of ANYONE who thought any of the three were sexist or racist before the latest allegations based on actions we know about. I think it is fair to say that the average voter would NOT want the statewide offices turned over to Republicans at this point.
Northam won handily over a well-known Republican, Ed Gillespie.
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2017/governor/va/virginia_governor_gillespie_vs_northam-6197.html
My Repub., religious relatives in the southern part of the state dislike Northam, probably mostly because of his pro choice actions. Northam also has stirred up some discontent in NoVA, where I live, because he supports keeping the tax windfall VA is receiving as a result of the Repub. federal tax cut bill, which capped state property, income, etc., tax deductibility (VA income tax rules are closely tied to Federal rules). He wants to use this for social programs. Although our tax rates are not high compared to those in other states, income and property values in NoVA are high, so the result is that you have to make a lot more money and pay a lot more money for a house, to have the same quality of life as in other places. So the tax bites harder.
My guess is that the Washington Post will eventually publish an article on what Virginians are thinking, but it probably will be mostly based on anecdotes.
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