I have several repug friends who say they won't support Kilgore

[ernstbass]

Is anyone else hearing this? It seems that repugs are more likely to split thier ticket in state elections than presidential elections. I'm encouraged down here in Southwest VA - hotbed of conservatism.

[quisp]

1. Are they going to vote for Kaine?

or just stay home (which is almost as good)

[EastCoastWest]

2. polls

are there any polls out yet on this race? not they they would even really mean anything this early

[magnolia]

3. Welcome!

I saw a poll a few weeks ago that had Kilgore ahead...but not by much. You're right, it's too early.

[ernstbass]

5. A poll from a Roanoke tv station

had Kilgore ahead but the gap had narrowed considerably in the past 2 months. I see an equal number of Kaine and Kilgore bumper stickers thus far.

[ernstbass]

4. Yes they say they will vote for Kaine

due to the good stuff Warner has done for us in the past 4 yrs.

[VaYallaDawg]

6. Let's hope those sentiments hold up until

election day!!!

[FSogol]

7. Isn't Potts (A moderate republican) running as an independent?

IIRC Potts hates the extremist anti-tax and Christian Government crowd and left the GOP.

[JohnKleeb]

8. Hes still a republican I believe but he is running

Yeah hes not a rightist socially and he does realize that tax increases to fund roads, schools, etc are sometimes what we need. Counnington, the Prince William County Supervisor who ran for Lt Governor was a conservative socially I believe but he wasnt like Bolling and a fanatic anti taxer, its a good thing hes not their nominee since he would have been able to eat in to Byrne's northern virginia support base I believe since hes not really an extremeist.

[virginia mountainman]

9. In Southwest Va..

Where I am a resident...and a long time observer of southwest VA politics

GUN CONTROL will undo Kaine down here

When the locals learn, they he bussed the "Million Mom March" to Washington from Richmound, it will be all over for him. Warner has a real following down here, but that "MMM" incident, will sink Kaine.

The gun issue, is a real anchor on Democrats down here, it can work for them, though, if they are truly pro-gun, Warner would win in a walk, if he could run again, He was a VERY pro-gun Governor.

[abluelady]

10. Haven't They Learned Yet

What America and Virginia need is a leader! People need to focus on that rather than one topic. I wish there was a way to make the average Joe Voter understand.

[virginia mountainman]

12. CRITICALLY IMPORTANT ISSUE

That one topic is CRITICALLY important now, with Bush in office....

Most south western Virginia folks CHOSE NOT to be dragged out of there houses at gun point, like they are in New Orleans as we speak..

http://www.ktvu.com/video/4946889/detail.html

[abluelady]

13. I'm Not Sure What You are Saying?

People should be allowed to have guns and shoot the authorities? Or now guns are in jeopardy because people have them and may shoot the authorites? I'm sorry I don't know what you are trying to tell me.

[ernstbass]

14. Kilgore's ad about this is very effective.

It is doing Kaine much harm.

[smb]

16. Yep.

GUN CONTROL will undo Kaine down here

The Democrats really hurt themselves when they got themselves stuck with this loser issue. Unfortunately, my read is that it will take about a decade of sustained support for gun rights to undo the damage.

[Catchawave]

11. From SE Virginia:

I don't think the Virginian-Pilot likes Kilgore. Wish this paper was more internet friendly, I'd post those articles here.

[liberalitch]

15. I'm hoping that more virginians will want a continuation of..

warner's policies

[captain disgruntled]

17. The last poll I heard about--from the Loudoun Co.

campaign office of Kaine--had them running essentially neck-and-neck. Kilgore's lead was within the margin of error.
I had an interesting conversation with a lady on the phone this week--her name was shared with us by a previous local candidate. Lady said she was a small-business owner who had been a life-long Republican, but that Warner's small/female-owned business policies had been significantly economically helpful to her, and she became "a believer". She was donating, but wanted to consider how best to do any more, for fear of disturbing her Repub neighbours/pals/etc. ;( She wished to remain a 'stealth' supporter.

I think/hope that the economic concerns will outweigh gun fears.
On edit: the Post has a story which seems to address just these concerns--the photo features Kaine being followed by a surly-looking guy with a gun... :o http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/19/AR2005091901680.html