Reply #8: I'm cautiously optimistic, but its important to encourage people to vote

[onenote]

Based on the polls, I think its looking pretty good, although I'm worried about the Davis/Peterson race. I think her use of tv advertising has helped her.

The biggest concern is turnout. Turnout in Virginia in "off-off" years (no federal candidates and no governor's race) can be dismal. In years in which the ballot includes presidential candidates, US Senate candidates or a governor's race, statewide turnout ranges from 2 million to 3 million plus voters. In off/off years like this one, its down around a million and change. (Just for example, in 2004, with the presidency on the line, turnout statewide was over 70 percent. A year earlier, in 2003, with no federal candidates or governor's race on the ballot, turnout was barely 30 percent).

If you live in Virginia, make sure you get your friends to vote.