In Virginia governor’s race, gun control surfaces late as a key issue

[gejohnston]

43. Not exactly

As soon as Bloomberg and former Monsanto PR flack, now mouthpiece for Astroturf Moms, Shannon Watts hit the scene TMcC went from a 15 point lead across the state to winning within the margin of error with a Libertarian spoiler and a higher turnout in the DC bedroom communities. Put it another way, without the Libertarian siphoning votes from Kenny, we wouldn't be celebrating.
Another factor is the money advantage TMcC had over Kenny, something like 10-1. The RNC wants to purge the Tea Party, thus it didn't support Kenny, and Bloomberg poured money into TMcC's campaign. Given how well the Libertarian did along with TMcC, Kenny's theocratic tendencies was a bigger loser, which is a good thing.
In short, gun control won a squad level action in a battle that really is a draw, but is still losing the war.
The loser was really theocracy.

Edit to ask, isn't true that Bloomberg et al didn't enter the race until TMcC was projected to win?