The historic sweep could also pay off strategically, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington.
“This is a big development from the perspective of turnout,” Farnsworth said. “Even in districts where you’re not going to win, you’re going to help pump up the vote for your party, and that can help statewide candidates.”
In a way, the difference between Youngkin’s use of vetoes and the approach of earlier governors mirrors what’s been happening over the years in national politics, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. And in Virginia, he said, “Two things explain this trend: first is the growing Washingtonization, as Democrats and Republicans are increasingly distant from each other … the second is a move to outsiders in executive positions.”
“For Virginia Republicans, this controversy is bad news on top of the previous bad news,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, is coauthor of a book chapter, “Ridicule in Late-Night Political Humor in the United States: Contours and Consequences,” published in the Wiley Handbook of Social and Political Conflict.
Other recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
“Beating the other side is more important to many voters [rather] than who exactly is representing your own team,” said University of Mary Washington political scientist Stephen Farnsworth.
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said the turmoil surrounding Reid’s candidacy highlights deeper challenges for Virginia Republicans heading into a critical election cycle. “The biggest challenge that you have as a first-time statewide candidate is getting your name out there in the public,” Farnsworth said. “That’s not going to be a problem for John Reid.” But, he cautioned, the downside is significant: “This controversy won’t help Reid or the Republican ticket.”
