Virginia-Should we make a strong effort?

[Zynx]

As many of you are aware, Virginia has been the most reliable Republican southern state since 1964, never once voting for a Democrat from 1968 until now. However, the movement of high-end government workers, who lean heavily Democratic, from DC and Maryland into the northern Virginia suburbs combined with a generalized increase in the number of moderate voters has presented us with a remarkable opportunity to sieze 13 electoral votes the Republicans simply cannot do without.

Recent polls show that the race for Virginia is close with Bush only leading by a margin of only 2-4 percentage points, which is even closer than North Carolina and well within the margin of error. A strong push in Virginia by Kerry as well as Democratic groups pushing voter registration could well force Bush to at the very least put up a very strong fight in a state he is assuming he will win easily and very possibly deliver the state to Kerry. Edwards could also prove very useful in rural Virginia. Even if we fall short, we will exhaust Republican resources on Virginia that they can't use to peel away softer "blue" states like Wisconsin or Iowa or shore up their own weak "red" states like Ohio, Colorado, Florida, etc..

If we make a strong push in Virginia along with North Carolina, which is a less likely win, but still in the realm of possibility, we could take an irreplacable 28 electoral votes away from Shrubya.

What say you on the DU to making a massive effort in Virginia and North Carolina as well?

[The Straight Story]

1. We can Kerry VA (n/t)

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

2. Yes we can (a Virginian for Kerry)

[Zynx]

3. Do you know if Kerry has any further campaign events planned there?

[NWHarkness]

4. We need to fight everywhere

Because even in the states we don't carry, we will be building the foundation for future victories.

[Zynx]

5. Good point.

If we don't at least try in all states, we hurt our chances in the future in those states.

[WMliberal]

6. all it has taken is a little effort to get the race this close

Kerry has been here only 4 times, has about what, a dozen or so staff?
(help me out here VA DUers, I'm sure the number is under 20. I'd read it in a thread somewhere) He's spent just over a million on ads in the commonwealth.
Compare this with Gore 2000. Zero visits. Skeleton crew. Zero on ads.
I think it won't take much more than an extra nudge to make this state blue.

[fujiyama]

8. Gore did nothing

with the state and Bush only won by 8 pts.

[Zynx]

10. I agree entirely.

[fujiyama]

7. It may be a good idea

I have been somewhat surprised how close this state has been polling. I don't recall seeing a poll showing Bush up more than 5.

This is very encouraging and it seems like there is no real reason why shouldn't be able to carry it. The state had a democratic senator for at least two terms (how long did Robb serve?) and it recently elected Mark Warner in 2002, who I heard is a popular governor.

If Kerry were to win VA though, it wouldn't be a long night. There is simply no way Bush can win without states like VA.

[tedoll78]

9. Mythoughts..

We need to quietly go after this state. Especially the GOTV operations of 527s. Go door-to-door on Election Day offering rides to the polls. Some billboard advertising would help as well; it's cheap/effective/relatively unregulated - and the message can be tailored to the locale.

Also, if there are Kerry supporters on the borders of D.C. who have friends who living in the District, why not offer them the use of their address for voting registration purposes? :evilgrin:

[jsw_81]

11. Definitely!

Several polls have Kerry within striking distance in Virginia, and with a big Democratic turnout he could win. Just imagine how depressed and demoralized GOP voters in the crucial western states (e.g. Arizona, Nevada) would be if they hear that "Republican" Virginia is going into Kerry's column; it could trigger a Democratic landslide all across the country.