POLL: VA's 2009 Gubernatorial Race: Deeds or McDonnell (Richmond, Hampton: college, to live in)

[normie]

Originally Posted by Tone509

No worries.

Tip of the hat to you, Tone. You called it correctly and I'm delighted to see my worries were unjustified.

And kudos to our forum members, it's great to live in a place where we can discuss topics like this and be civil about it. I like living in a purple state, our diversity is what makes us strong. And I'm proud to see that people here respect each other's right to have diverse opinions.

[SteelCityRising]

I'm surprised how tight this poll is! I still firmly believe that McDonnell is leading state-wide. Northern Virginia is really the only major part of the state where Deeds is performing very well, thanks to so many people being turned off by McDonnell's questionable (and often times unpopular) record on social issues.

[adctvmonkey]

I also voted last week by absentee, but won't be saying who either

I was just discussing this with a friend today, but I definitely love the fact that Virginia is a purple state. Granted, it doesn't mean we're perfect, and I think both candidates have their share of a hot mess, but there's room for discussion and actual learning rather than going gung-ho for one side.

[Teebyrd86]

Originally Posted by adctvmonkey

I also voted last week by absentee, but won't be saying who either

I was just discussing this with a friend today, but I definitely love the fact that Virginia is a purple state. Granted, it doesn't mean we're perfect, and I think both candidates have their share of a hot mess, but there's room for discussion and actual learning rather than going gung-ho for one side.

I dont quite understand why people talk about the various political races such as our current race for governor but dont feel freely to disclose who they voted for. For me I am proud as an American to have the right to vote and after doing I am proud for who I voted for rather that person wins or looses. If I dont feel strongly about either candidate then I dont vote. My point is why vote for someone if you dont feel proud enough to say who you voted for? Let alone discuss the race with other people and still not disclose it. Just my 2 cents.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

I dont quite understand why people talk about the various political races such as our current race for governor but dont feel freely to disclose who they voted for. For me I am proud as an American to have the right to vote and after doing I am proud for who I voted for rather that person wins or looses. If I dont feel strongly about either candidate then I dont vote. My point is why vote for someone if you dont feel proud enough to say who you voted for? Let alone discuss the race with other people and still not disclose it. Just my 2 cents.

Discussing political views can be a controversial topic - which is why I imagine there is a forum here called Politics and Other Controversies - so I can understand why some members would choose to discuss their concerns about both candidates without disclosing who they're leaning towards.

The civil discussion that has taken place thus far is very much appreciated.

[GreenGene]

For whatever weight it might carry, the Washington Post has endorsed Deeds.

Mr. Deeds for Governor - His transportation realism and Mr. McDonnell's bogus roads plan present Virginians with a stark choice on Nov. 3.

I thought the editorial did a good job in describing exactly why the Post favors Deeds over McDonnell. While they list several reasons, the major reason they give is transportation, an issue that is near and dear to just about everyone living in Northern Virginia, but an increasing concern elsewhere in the state as well.

The editorial also is dismissive of the thesis written by McDonnell and its impact on or importance to the election, and instead points to McDonnell's 14-year record as a lawmaker.

[car54]

Originally Posted by GreenGene

For whatever weight it might carry, the Washington Post has endorsed Deeds...

Well, that's hardly surprising...

What do you want to bet that the Rev Moon (Washington Times) will endorse Bob McBlowdried??

[SteelCityRising]

This is tough! I was 75% in the bag for Mr. McDonnell, but the Washington Post DOES make numerous valid arguments in favor of his opponent. Now I'm back to being 50/50 again!

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by Tone509

The civil discussion that has taken place thus far is very much appreciated.

Agreed. I admittedly posted this thread with a lot of concern about the hot-headedness taking off uncontrollably, but I, too, am very pleased by the results so far. The poll's respondents are just about evenly-split, and while some of us have been critical of our chosen candidate's adversary, we haven't (for the most part) singled out any particular member to slam them. This is a model political thread! I posted here because I thought it would be stupid to post it on the Politics & Other Controversies forum where perhaps 4 people would have honestly cared (even though this is a good bell-weather election to show that Virginia IS still safely "purple" and has not yet turned "blue").

[DC Oldtimer]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

This is tough! I was 75% in the bag for Mr. McDonnell, but the Washington Post DOES make numerous valid arguments in favor of his opponent. Now I'm back to being 50/50 again!

Scrannie, please read this response to the Post's predictable and less than honest endorsement.

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