Open thread: Virginia; Update: McDonnell wins
posted at 7:42 pm on November 3, 2009 by Allahpundit
A weird situation: It’s the biggest bellwether of the night given that it was the crown jewel in The One’s swing-state sweep last year, and yet … the result’s been a foregone conclusion for weeks. The only question is how big of a blowout it’ll be. Double digits seems assured, but dare we hope for 15 points, say?
You can follow the results here. With 12 percent of the votes in, McDonnell leads by 27; we should get a call before 8 p.m. ET, I’d think. One interesting footnote to this race in case you haven’t followed it is that Deeds did his level best to paint the Republican as a hard-right culture warrior while McDonnell, wisely, ran on jobs. Just one more bit of evidence that fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism, is the GOP’s path going forward.
Update: Three minutes before 8 p.m. and the AP says lights out. Now we wait for the final margin.
Blowback
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Ojesus.
hillbillyjim on November 3, 2009 at 8:02 PM
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSHINGTON POOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSTTTTTTTT
SUCK
IT
EASY!!!!
MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUAAAAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAH!
I’m breaking out the beers.
fiatboomer on November 3, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Huh? I show Deeds leading in Hampton.
flipflop on November 3, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Creigh Deeds seen at Local U-Haul company renting a moving truck.
portlandon on November 3, 2009 at 8:02 PM
I’ll give $1,000,000 internet dollars if the McDonnell campaign starts blaring “Dirty Deeds” at their party.
stldave on November 3, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Yes!!!!
4shoes on November 3, 2009 at 8:03 PM
fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism, is the GOP’s path going forward.
Tattoo it on your foreheads, people!
Metro on November 3, 2009 at 8:03 PM
I thought VA would merely say “Hell No” to Obama.
But it turns out I was wrong; they said “F*ck No”.
Geochelone on November 3, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Another element has been added to,
the ongoing, ever expanding, SarahCuda Army!!
canopfor on November 3, 2009 at 8:03 PM
I have no idea what either Hoffman or McDonnell think about gay marriage. But I do know that they’re both for a smaller government and a tax policy that creates jobs.
That’s the takeaway from tonight.
BadgerHawk on November 3, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Thank you! It’s great to live in a red state (commonwealth) again.
behiker on November 3, 2009 at 8:03 PM
I smell BS!!!!!
Knucklehead on November 3, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Creigh Deeds seen at Local U-Haul company
rentingUNDER a moving truck.portlandon on November 3, 2009 at 8:02 PM
fixed
tatersalad on November 3, 2009 at 8:03 PM
Yeah about that, McCain ran on jobs also. In fact, the only uptick in his moribund campaign came when he picked Palin.
18-1 on November 3, 2009 at 8:03 PM
how appropriate
runner on November 3, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Barack Obama will see nothing, he will hear nothing, he will know nothing. He stayed in bed all day reading the book that a friend named Hugo gave him. Therefor none of this even happened.
OberfeldwebelSchultz on November 3, 2009 at 8:04 PM
The win by the GOP was expected, BUT NOT BY THESE COMMANDING NUMBERS.This is massive.
jay12 on November 3, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Native Alexandrian is glad to see the DEMS get the BOOT from VA! WOOHOO!!!!
fiatboomer on November 3, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Intrade prices on corzine dropped to 50 at almost exactly 8 PM (poll closing time).
Maybe things are looking up.
JohnGalt23 on November 3, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Interesting. I tend to think that defining it just leads to pundits analyzing everything against the definition. I suppose they do have to have something to write about. *haha
In other words, you know one when you see it. I actually agreed totally with Pawlenty in his examples of why Dede should be considered liberal. EFCA was what made me drop my jaw. I can’t think of a single GOP for card check.
You’re probably right about the lifers getting re-elected. They have a built-in base, for one.
AnninCA on November 3, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Oh yea, the WaPo’s guy–wassshisname? Deeds? Yeah, him. He got she-lacked tonite!
Eat it big WaPo!
ted c on November 3, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Mmmm mmmm mmm, Barack Hussein Obama.
Seriously though, not a lot to gloat about here. Taking back this country is bigger than getting some people elected with with a big R next to their name.
We still have $105 TRILLION in unfunded liabilities not being addressed while the people in power are trying to spend trillions more to kill millions of jobs in a deliberate attempt to collapse the economy and rebuild it as they see fit.
RightWinged on November 3, 2009 at 8:05 PM
It’s looking like at least a 20% blowout. Doesn’t speak well for Corzine’s chances.
michaelo on November 3, 2009 at 8:05 PM
I agree. He’s curled up in front of it in the fetal position with hands over his eyes, screaming at the top of his smoke-filled lungs.
sherry on November 3, 2009 at 8:05 PM
We can only hope, although the state controlled media will pretend that social issues are the driving force. Like with Hoffman v. Dede.
Buy Danish on November 3, 2009 at 8:05 PM
I can’t tell you how proud I am to be a VIRGINIA VOTER TODAY!
BOOOOOOYAAAAHHHH! JUST CRACKED A BREEEWHAA!@
ted c on November 3, 2009 at 8:05 PM
AP, believe it or not, I really hate going OT.
(In a completely non-whining tone of voice) Can we please get a Jersey Open Thread?
JohnGalt23 on November 3, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Woohoo! Virginia is a beautiful state. I lived there for two years….and would gladly live there again.
terryannonline on November 3, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Today felt good while at the Virginia ballot box. I am as proud of my new state as I am of Texas!
truetexan on November 3, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Next.
Jaibones on November 3, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Good God!!! McDonnell could win by 20+ points in Virginia. That’s not a blowout. That’s a massacre. Obamacare is dead if he ends up with a margin like that. You cannot tell me the Blue Dogs won’t be scared sh-tless for the next year.
Doughboy on November 3, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Fox says that the top 3 positions all go to the GOP, unprecedented in VA.
AnninCA on November 3, 2009 at 8:06 PM
Check out Rockingham and augusta.
Oldnuke on November 3, 2009 at 8:06 PM
The Great Repudiation begins…
AbaddonsReign on November 3, 2009 at 8:07 PM
PLEASE ALLAH! A NJ and NY one!!!!
upinak on November 3, 2009 at 8:07 PM
O’Reilly believes Cristie will win in NJ.
AnninCA on November 3, 2009 at 8:07 PM
The Washington Post says:
If you don’t get it, you don’t get it.
heheheheheeheheheheheeh
fiatboomer on November 3, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Bad news, AP. There IS a God! McDonnell WINS!!! I’m gonna get drunk while watching the premiere of “V”.
manwithblackhat on November 3, 2009 at 8:07 PM
What’s your poison bro? Mine is Guinness.
Geochelone on November 3, 2009 at 8:07 PM
’ll give $1,000,000 internet dollars if the McDonnell campaign starts blaring “Dirty Deeds” at their party.
stldave on November 3, 2009 at 8:02 PM
stldave: Your post needs theme musuc!hehe:
Enjoy,Ac/Dc.Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eawP7IXQr0s
canopfor on November 3, 2009 at 8:07 PM
Tonight it’s chianti for me. Ciao bella!
manwithblackhat on November 3, 2009 at 8:08 PM
Virginia, you have been redeemed.
Percy_Peabody on November 3, 2009 at 8:09 PM
I’d respond further, but I’ve got to put my 5 yr old to bed, his mother is making me get off HA. I’ll try to catch up later. Cheers.
Weight of Glory on November 3, 2009 at 8:09 PM
Jeesh*…it’s a huge sweep for the GOP.
AnninCA on November 3, 2009 at 8:09 PM
yeppers, annin calls it! Top 3 slots for McDonnell, Bolling and Cucinelli.
I am really excited to see what Cucinelli is going to do with regards to the 10th amendment. He stated he is going to haul the fed into court and reestablish the sovereignty of this commonwealth.
Smackdown Dems. Smackdown with your teeth rattling you frickin’ arugala eating wimps.
ted c on November 3, 2009 at 8:09 PM
“Just one more bit of evidence that fiscal conservatism, not social conservatism, is the GOP’s path going forward.”
In the middle of a horrific recession with a crypto-Marxist in the White House? Ya think? Do you get paid for this insight?
Ok, kidding aside – I think this is true. Not to get all Frummian (as in confusing my personal preferences with the best policy choices), but I think the way to go for the next cycle or two is to campaign for a social-issue moratorium (no changes either direction) while pushing hard for a small government / economic liberty agenda, and show the electorate WHY economic liberty matters to them personally – from Charter schools in the inner city to the potentially devastating effects of cap and trade, from the coal mine to the farms to your dinner table – along with an “all of the above” energy approach, arguing that we CANNOT afford to send our energy dollars abroad anymore.
holdfast on November 3, 2009 at 8:09 PM
McDonnell should be looking to a national office after his term as Governor. Solid Campaign. Solid Conservative.
stackedeck on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
To all the HA regulars, and the obligatory trolls,
Two of those votes for McDonnell came from my house. Both the wife and I voted straight Rs.
You’re Welcome.
BobMbx on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
They’re wrong. The GOP has swept the top three spots before, I believe.
changer1701 on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Drudge mini headline from ABCNEWS
ABCNEWS: Vast Economic Discontent Spells Trouble for Dems in 2010…
http://abcnews.go.com/PollingUnit/Politics/election-2009-virginia-jersey-exit-polls-obama-economy/story?id=8984551
Even the Cheerleaders are freaking out!
dogsoldier on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Toasting you with my Sam Adams!
lovingmyUSA on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
PLEASE ALLAH! A NJ and NY one!!!!
upinak on November 3, 2009 at 8:07 PM
upinak: Great idea! You is Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad!:)
-hehe.
canopfor on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Geochelone on November 3, 2009 at 8:07 PM
geo, i’ve got me an ice cold Bass pale ale. I’ll hit ya with one if ya hit me with a guinness and we can mix up some black n’ tans!
bottoms up bro!
ted c on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
we need jersey, this is big, but jersey would be siesmic…
imperator on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
The last time Fairfax County voted for a Republican Governor was 12 years ago, in 1997.
With 17 of 232 precincts in (7% reporting), McDonnell is carrying Fairfax County with 53%.
WolkingsWorld.com on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
And it sucks to be a moonbat like you.
Knucklehead on November 3, 2009 at 8:11 PM
I got a kick out of Steele’s remark that the lawyers have been camped out for a week in NJ. *haha
Bet that’s actually the truth.
AnninCA on November 3, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Sweet!
terryannonline on November 3, 2009 at 8:11 PM
wow. That sounds like a horribly desperate lie. It’s the kind of deflection that makes them sounds more worried than if they just said they WERE going to watch closely.
Or little Barry’s ego is so fragile they are having to protect him from the election news.
I worry we run the risk of making too big a deal of a win tonight. But I DON”T think we can underestimate how much thins is going to bother Obama on a personal level
Ampersand on November 3, 2009 at 8:11 PM
R’s also wins Lt. Gov and Attorney General.
3rd time in History R’s sweep all 3 in VA.
Notorious GOP on November 3, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Me too! I knew McDonnell was going to win but not like this. This is huge. Looks like it’s a Virginia trifecta too with Bolling and Cuccinelli both winning by big numbers. This isn’t a win it’s an asskicking.
Oldnuke on November 3, 2009 at 8:11 PM
Having a Stella here. Waiting to see how bad Bob crushes Creigh.
Also kinda hoping the GOP can give the boot to Fairfax delegate Kris Admunsen. But that one will be tricky.
fiatboomer on November 3, 2009 at 8:12 PM
Even the Cheerleaders are freaking out!
dogsoldier on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
Ohhh, the tears are rolling tonight huh! Obama hasn’t even gotten out of the starting gate and he’s getting hemmed in like the last kid in dodgeball against the 5 biggest kids in the school.
Maybe they’ll throw wrenches
ted c on November 3, 2009 at 8:12 PM
We better watch out NJ and NY-23.
newton on November 3, 2009 at 8:12 PM
I’m breaking out the beers.
fiatboomer on November 3, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Toasting you with my Sam Adams!
lovingmyUSA on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
lovingmyUSA: I`m toasting a fine Canadian cup of tea,
cheers,Hot/Air Heads!Tee-Hee:)
canopfor on November 3, 2009 at 8:12 PM
I think that has worried the Obama team the past couple of months. I can see McDonnell running in 2012.
Gabe on November 3, 2009 at 8:12 PM
It’s simply not possible a Republican could have won in VA. It’s obvious the votes of the dead weren’t properly tabulated, and that’s unfair. The Republicans stole this election with fraud, using their usual racist tactic of free elections.
I demand recounts until the the correct result is achieved.
/sarc (except for the trolls like simplesimon who post here that would actually believe that!)
Liam on November 3, 2009 at 8:12 PM
Hey Jersey! How long does it take to stuff a ballot box, anyway? Give us some numbers, already!
Pablo on November 3, 2009 at 8:13 PM
What was those names the Dems called the teapartiers again? Yes those names. Hey Dems, how ya like us now?
canditaylor68 on November 3, 2009 at 8:13 PM
BOOOYAAAHHH, BOB!!!
Thank you and God bless you and your family.
jay12 on November 3, 2009 at 8:13 PM
Ditto that Bob. My wife and I took the kids to the polls this morning and my two daughters and I clasped our hands together and hit the “cast your vote” button!
What a great day!
ted c on November 3, 2009 at 8:13 PM
The VA Repub ticket and NY-23 Hoffman are all social cons.
AnotherOpinion on November 3, 2009 at 8:13 PM
McDonnell was leading when I posted…heh. That it’s even respectable in Hampton…says volumes.
SouthernGent on November 3, 2009 at 8:13 PM
Webb’s Senate seat.
BadgerHawk on November 3, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Mr. Jefferson would be proud.
Clyde5445 on November 3, 2009 at 8:14 PM
God Bless Virginia!
fiatboomer on November 3, 2009 at 8:14 PM
ease up on ‘em pablo–it takes a while to walk the stiffs back to the cemetary and get ‘em all tucked back into their boxes. I don’t expect any word for a few hours.
ted c on November 3, 2009 at 8:14 PM
That’s awesome! My cousin cast his first official vote today in VA and I’m proud to say he carried on the family tradition and voted straight Republican.
gophergirl on November 3, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Hey, President Joker! Why so serious?
SagebrushPuppet on November 3, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Too big to spin–I love it!
ElectricPhase on November 3, 2009 at 8:14 PM
If you think Palin got under his skin, just wait and see how Obama’s tender feelings get hurt. He’s not gonna let Air Force One fly over Virginia any more.
Terrie on November 3, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Another stolen election by the rethuglicans.
Bishop on November 3, 2009 at 8:14 PM
The race is tightening. The margin might drop below 20. : (
BadgerHawk on November 3, 2009 at 8:15 PM
To all the HA regulars, and the obligatory trolls,
Two of those votes for McDonnell came from my house. Both the wife and I voted straight Rs.
You’re Welcome.
BobMbx on November 3, 2009 at 8:10 PM
BobMbx: I tip my cup o tea to ya,excellent!!
May this be a lesson to the ones that sit at home
and don`t vote!!:)
canopfor on November 3, 2009 at 8:15 PM
As a former resident of Virginia I am thrilled by this outcome – reminds me of similar outcomes 15-20 years ago.
ya2daup on November 3, 2009 at 8:15 PM
That’s not evidence of anything at all.
Blake on November 3, 2009 at 8:15 PM
To those of you Virginians who got out the vote–CHEERS!! *Raises my beer in salute!*
lovingmyUSA on November 3, 2009 at 8:15 PM
Zing! Nice inside joke for us locals….
Feels great to be a Virginian today…. particularly a Northern Virginia… can’t wait to go to work tomorrow and smile at all my latte liberal co-workers.
BPD on November 3, 2009 at 8:15 PM
LOL-I wanna see Prissy Chrissy cry.
Dave R. on November 3, 2009 at 8:15 PM
It was Sarah’s GOTV phone calls that did it./sarc and a grain of truth.
Clyde5445 on November 3, 2009 at 8:15 PM
So, how much longer before we start seeing the NJ numbers. That’s the only toss up.
jhffmn on November 3, 2009 at 8:16 PM
Don’t go nuts yet. These are good news all around!
newton on November 3, 2009 at 8:16 PM
Now Intrade is showing big movement for Christie.
This could be VERY good…. :)
JohnGalt23 on November 3, 2009 at 8:16 PM
What doesn’t make the news is that the entire Va House is up for re-election.
This is what will really be the story.
BobMbx on November 3, 2009 at 8:16 PM
Yea. And Jagermeister if NJ goes red.
We got NY fua sua.
Geochelone on November 3, 2009 at 8:16 PM
Formerly Purple VA that helped usher in history in the 2008 election soon to be recharacterized as a bunch of racist rednecks in 3…2…1….
ted c on November 3, 2009 at 8:16 PM
.
Can I get an amen!
ronsfi on November 3, 2009 at 8:16 PM
YOU’RE WELCOME!!!
ted c on November 3, 2009 at 8:17 PM
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