The strategy is something Republicans should have done for past elections, according to Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “Gov. Youngkin has recognized that Republicans have been at a huge disadvantage with early voting over the last several election cycles and the governor is moving aggressively to try to reduce that early participation gap that has so strongly favored Democrats in recent years,” Farnsworth said.

Early Voting Could Spike with New Republican Push (Williamsburg-Yorktown Daily News)

University of Mary Washington professor Stephen Farnsworth said Republicans around the country are working to harness the power of early voting. "Virginia Republicans have learned what a lot of national Republicans are still trying to figure out," Farnsworth said. "Opposing early voting is the equivalent of unilateral disarmament in elections."

Republicans, Democrats in Virginia make last push to encourage early voting (WBAL)

Dr. Stephen Farnsworth of University of Mary Washington, who moderates debates, said with most voters who are already decided, energizing them to hit the polls is the goal. “The question is not about how to persuade somebody else but rather but how to make sure people who will vote for you, actually turn out to do so,” said Farnsworth. “It's a time when it isn't likely there will be a lot of turnouts, so, an idea of really creating a fearful environment is going to be a strategy that both parties are going to be using throughout the Fall.”

Virginia Decides: Education, abortion remain key issues ahead of early voting (WUSA 9)

Stephen Farnsworth, a politics professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, said there is always “a lot of give and take among government officials and reporters over how to shape the news, and this is just another example of those contentious arguments about how to contextualize current events.” “Stating the administration’s views via a memo like this is a very cost-effective way for the White House team to express itself,” he said. “Not only might the summary shape the current round of impeachment investigation stories, but the memo can also make news in its own right.”

White House pleads with media outlets to scrutinize House GOP impeachment push (The Washington Times)

University of Mary Washington political professor Stephen Farnsworth says a pardon before legal action is concluded sets a dangerous precedent. "It serves political purposes, to be sure, for the governor to engage in Loudoun at every opportunity. I don't know that it particularly wins him votes in Loudoun, but it certainly does energize the Republican base in other parts of the commonwealth or the country," Farnsworth said.

Youngkin defends decision to pardon Loudoun Co. father (NBC News Washington)