Great News for Deeds and Byrne

The two Republican candidates may have spent a lot of money to win the primary, but it didn't get them known to either potential crossover Democratic voters or to independents who often decide close general elections in Virginia.

Even worse for the Republicans, "McDonnell spent almost $1.5 million to defeat Richmond lawyer Steve Baril in the primary, leaving him with $74,000. Deeds had no opponent and saved his money. His campaign fund stands at almost $600,000."  In other words, McDonnell is practically broke while Deeds is flush with cash.  Bad news for "Taliban Bob."

And in the Byrne-Bolling race:

The latest campaign finance reports show that Bolling spent $1.6 million in the primary, all but draining his campaign fund.  Byrne managed to stash away $126,000. That could help her get on television first, which could give her a bit of an advantage down the road.

Byrne also looks strong in her base of Northern Virginia, where a large turnout is highly likely in her favor.  In even better news for Byrne and Deeds, it now looks like Tim Kaine could very well have "coattails" that could help in the races for Lt. Governor and Attorney General as well. 

One other key consideration at this point is that almost nobody knows the candidates (e.g., "McDonnell was unknown by 65 percent of all the voters polled, while 71 percent had never heard of Deeds.") .  My guess is that as Virginians start to tune into this race and get to know Deeds, Byrne, Bolling and McDonnell, they will like what they see on the Democratic side far better than on the Republican side.  I have personally met and spoken with Creigh Deeds several times, for instance, and I've got to say that I'd be shocked if just about anybody didn't like this guy once they met him.  Simply put, Deeds is an outgoing, friendly, personable, engaging candidate with a sense of humor and a beautiful family. What's not to like?  And Byrne is a feisty, super-smart woman with a wicked sense of humor herself.  Watch out!

The bottom line is that the races for Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General are all dead heats right now (Bolling 37% to Byrne 34% and 30% undecided; McDonnell 35% to Deeds 34% and the rest "undecided").  However, the money and momentum is definitely moving strongly in the Democrats' direction.  And don't forget the Russ Potts factor, as he drains away 5%-10% of Republicans from the Kilgore/Bolling/McDonnell ticket.

You know, if I were a Republican right now, I'd be starting to really sweat.  And it wouldn't be because of the mid-summer heat wave we're experiencing, either!

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