Democratic candidate Joe Bouchard is building an unanticipatedly strong lead in the race for the seat Delegate Leo Wardrup is vacating according to new polling. The Republican candidate, Chris Stolle, appears reluctant to press the campaign following a testy primary race. His brother's name recognition may now be a major detriment. Senator Stolle is closely associated with the unpopular new regional tax authority and the abuser fees. And, now that Chris doesn't have anyone pressing him about his state residence hopping, he has said little at public Republican gatherings. In fact, he has been noticeably absent from many of them.
Bouchard's lead reflects a great deal of effort by Joe, a retired Navy Captain who commanded the Norfolk Naval Station and is a successful businessman. He has been pounding the pavement and burning up the phone lines. But I surmise it also reflects a letdown in the Republican camp. Enthusiastic campaigners no longer gather at the weekly Virginia Beach Republican breakfasts, while Joe rallies the troops at every opportunity.
Chris Stolle faces some very tough choices at this point in the campaign. One of them is whether to run against his brother, without whom he could never have won the primary. The other is whether he can find any traction at all with his primary opponent's supporters; including Delegate Wardrup himself. They too have been absent from recent Republican events.
For Virginia Beach Democrats, this is an opportunity hard to imagine before Joe threw his hat in the ring. Though the race is far from over, the prospect of this victory is sweet inducement for the grassroots to continue the hard work ahead.
Cross posted at VBDems.org - Blogging our way to Democratic wins in Virginia Beach! Go RK!
And as for specifics: Joe's lead is greater than the margin of error.