"It creates a very, very difficult environment for the other Republicans, because they have their own ideas for what they want to do with respect to key issues like the economy or Ukraine or immigration. But that doesn't mean they'll have much of a chance to talk about it. They'll be asked about Donald Trump," predicts Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. Trump Likely to Upstage Opponents Even if Absent from Debate (Voice of America)

“A sitting president is usually way ahead of his main rivals, and he doesn't want to give them a chance to catch up with a sitting president,” Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington. What is the reason for the absence of President Biden in the primary debates? (Voice of America)

Stephen Farnsworth at the University of Mary Washington says this might have some traction with voters. "It may be a very effective issue in those cases where you can really draw attention to what candidates have said. Virginia has a virulent, aggressive anti-union history," Farnsworth says. "And it's not clear to me that Virginia has changed as much as some of these Democrats supporting an end to Right to Work wish Virginia has changed."

How a long-standing labor law in Virginia could impact elections this year (WVTF)

Stephen Farnsworth at the University of Mary Washington says electric cars and pork policy are both a form of tribal politics. "The campaign trail so far looks like an out-of-state bogeyman for both sides," Farnsworth says. "The Republicans are saying don't California Virginia, and the Democrats increasingly seem to be saying don't Florida Virginia." Other states are having an impact on Virginia elections (WVTF)

Stephen Farnsworth at the University of Mary Washington says Republicans are gambling with this line of attack. "There are few things more risky in politics than choosing to talk about an issue that is a loser for your side," Farnsworth says. "Polls have consistently shown that Democrats have the advantage on the abortion question, and that advantage has gotten bigger in the wake of the decision by the Supreme Court to reverse Roe versus Wade."

Abortion is likely to be a top issue on the campaign trail this fall (WVTF)

"Polls consistently show that a lot of people are pretty happy with their local school districts, that they think that they're pretty well run," said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. "And so, the loud school board hearings that you're seen around the Commonwealth, particularly in the outer ring suburban counties like Loudoun, are really reflective of those really motivated voters, people who will turn out anyway."

How will parental rights play into this year’s elections? (WVTF)