Virginia has become one of the key swing states in America over the past few Presidential elections and yet very little attention has been paid to the Commonwealth because of the early states voting away.
I decided since polling companies do not want to update your research from last November, it might be interesting to see how Virginia's political stalwarts of the area are marking their territory in 2016. This obviously has ramifications on the Democratic side with super delegates but considering the competition on the Republican side it is interesting to see just how split up they are. So here it is. Team Jeb Bush: Despite poor performances up to this part, Bush has the most official endorsements in Virginia. Not weird considering how moderate the state has become. Eric Cantor- The former Republican Majority Leader is showing his Establishment nature that got him canned in the first place for Tea Party upstart David Brat. He is on team Jeb. David Ramadan-Former House of Delegates member Ramadan was a Scott Walker supporter before his dropping out last Fall, he is now on team Jeb loudly and proudly. He also it should be noted has been an open critic of Donald Trump. Jerry Kilgore-Former attorney general announced his work with Jeb Bush this past September. John Hagar-Former Lt. General is team Bush all the way. John Watkins-State Senator did not mix words in December 2015, Bush has that elusive electability factor. Team Ted Cruz: Despite the win at the Iowa caucuses, many Virginians have been hesitant to back the Texan conservative, here are the notable exceptions. Ken Cuccinelli- Former Attorney General, Gubernatorial candidate and proud social conservative is firmly on Ted Cruz's bandwagon (even campaigned for him in Iowa after hitting the phone lines) Dick Black-No surprise given some of his political stances over the years but the Virginia Senator is on Team Ted Cruz, even making Cruz's website. Team Rubio: Always hard to tell what the future holds for Rubio but these notaries have thrown their hat in with the Florida Senator. George Allen-Former Governor, Senator, Virginia Cavalier quarterback and son of the great Redskins coach, Allen is a household name but his clout and political power have fallen over the years. Though it took him a bit longer, Allen backed up Rubio in an interview on FOX Business News in January and could be an important opening act on Rubio visits throughout the Commonwealth to come. Barbara Comstock-One of the newest representatives in the US Congress, Northern Virginia's Comstock has placed her endorsement on Marco Rubio according to a Washington Post article. Team Trump: Turns out most Virginians are staying away from Trump further than just about any other states to vote so far in the primary season. Virgil Goode-The former Congressman turned independent Presidential candidate in 2012, Goode is a bit of an odd duck and his "outsider" credentials make his endorsement of Trump logical (albeit not terribly effective though). Team Clinton: This list is short but that is only because it includes just about every ranking Democrat in the Commonwealth. There are no Virginia surrogates endorsing Bernie Sanders. This list is looking at the most influential and/or adamant supporters for Clinton. Jim Moran- House of Reps member in liberal Fairfax endorsed Hillary Clinton way back in April 13 of last year. No indication he has changed his mind. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine-Both U.S. Senators from Virginia have put themselves in the Clinton camp. Warner is even being floated by some websites as Vice Presidential nominee (although Julian Castro will have something to say about that). Terry McAuliffe-You better believe Virginia's Governor is squarely in camp Clinton. The Clintons and McAuliffe have been close political allies since the 1990s. The Clintons worked hard to put McAuliffe in office over Ken Cuccinelli and now they expect their investment to pay off as the Governor campaigns throughout the Commonwealth for them. Team ?: The people who have not said anything. Douglas Wilder- Former Governor and political lightning rod, Wilder has not officially endorsed anyone, on either side of the Presidential aisle. He did retweet a Politico article though about Hillary Clinton's poor performance in New Hampshire, making me think he is not in the Clinton camp. In fact, I could see him supporting a moderate Republican like John Kasich before either Democratic hopeful.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Mr. GibsonFollow me on Twitter @MrG_Unit Archives
May 2016
Categories |