President Bush's unpopularity and the split among Republicans in Congress and the Virginia statehouse are hurting the GOP in Northern Virginia, say local party leaders, who worry that they could face tough challenges in some races this year and next.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/21/AR2006062101791.html
Republicans Trying to Regroup
Northern Va. GOP Worries Losses, Rifts Will Hurt Election Chances
By Amy Gardner and Lisa Rein
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, June 22, 2006; B05
President Bush's unpopularity and the split among Republicans in Congress and the Virginia statehouse are hurting the GOP in Northern Virginia, say local party leaders, who worry that they could face tough challenges in some races this year and next.
Contributing to the leaders' concern, they say, are the recent string of losses to Democrats in Northern Virginia, a drop in local party activism and a widening divide with voters on such issues as traffic and taxes.
"All of us have to be concerned," said Sean T. Connaughton (R), chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors. "Everyone needs to step back and take a look at why we're losing and how do we correct our course to keep those in office in office and expand the number of elected Republicans."
The Republicans' troubles have made Northern Virginia Democrats hopeful of seriously challenging some entrenched GOP incumbents in the congressional elections Nov. 7 and picking up more seats in next year's General Assembly contests.
Continued at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/21/AR2006062101791.html