Communications

As President Obama brings his road show to Virginia later today, I wanted to draw your attention to a few headlines from across Virginia.  With his polling in the dumps not only in Virginia, but also across our nation, it is no surprise that Democrats are running scared when Barack Obama comes to town. 

Some Dems Won't Join Obama In Swing Through VA

Don't look for Democrats in fiercely contested Virginia legislative elections to join President Barack Obama as he brings his campaign-style American Jobs Act bus tour to three cities there.  For that matter, don't expect Tim Kaine, the former Democratic National Committee chairman and Virginia's governor two years ago, to join his old ally either. (Bob Lews, “Some Dems won't join Obama in swing through Va.,” Associated Press, 10/18/11)

Virginia Reveals Challenges Ahead For Obama

Ward Armstrong, the top Democrat in the House of Delegates, is one of several incumbents up for re-election in the state’s off-year elections three weeks from now. And he’s one of several who have been tied to Mr. Obama by Republican rivals… The ad — and others like it in the state — underscores the challenge for Mr. Obama, who narrowly won the state in 2008 as part of a successful effort to campaign in places normally considered hostile to Democratic presidential candidates. (Michael Shear, “Virginia Reveals Challenges Ahead for Obama,” New York Times, 10/18/11)

In Tight Virginia Races, Democrats Cutting Ties To Obama

Three years ago, Democrats in Virginia couldn’t get enough of Barack Obama — a popular, transformational figure running for his first term as president.  But as Obama arrives in Virginia Tuesday for a two-day swing to promote parts of his jobs plan, some Democrats are distancing themselves from him — even in supposedly blue Northern Virginia.  Less than a month before critical legislative elections, several Democratic legislators say they have reservations about the president and will not commit to supporting him next year. At least one longtime state senator has announced he will not vote for Obama in 2012. (Anita Kumar, “In tight Virginia races, Democrats cutting ties to Obama,” Washington Post, 10/17/11)

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