Bitter race for governor appears far from over
By Jim Nolan, Richmond Times-Dispatch
September 22, 2013
After some recent stumbling in the gantlet that has become the Virginia governor’s race, Republican gubernatorial contender Ken Cuccinelli regained his political footing last week.
The Virginia attorney general and tea party darling received the coveted endorsement of Tech PAC, the political action committee of the Northern Virginia Technology Council — and saw Democratic rival Terry McAuliffe trip when it was revealed McAuliffe supporters tried to arm-twist the group to withdraw its decision....
“Debates are one of the last best chances to turn around a campaign narrative,” said Stephen Farnsworth, politics professor at the University of Mary Washington. “Both gubernatorial candidates could benefit from a strong performance.”
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Abortion issue draws sharp divide in governor, lieutenant governor races
By Michael Welles Shapiro, Daily Press
September 15, 2013
It's one of the most polarizing topics in politics.
When it comes to abortion — whether in support of further restrictions to the procedure or protections to ensure access — the most motivated voters are likely already entrenched on the issue.
"What the polls show pretty consistently is there's a strong segment of the Democratic Party that's pro-choice and a strong segment of the Republican Party that's pro-life," said Steve Farnsworth, a political science professor at University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.
"And then there are people in the middle who decide elections," he added. "They tend to favor some abortion restrictions but not too onerous measures."
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