This is the second part of two posts analyzing Virginia’s 2009 gubernatorial election. The previous part can be found here.

When Democrats nominated State Senator Creigh Deeds, they nominated a rural, moderate Democrat designed to win the small towns and rural regions of western Virginia. In an ideal situation, Mr. Deeds would have carved out a coalition similar to former Governor Mark Warner’s.

This is the first part of two posts analyzing Virginia’s 2009 gubernatorial election. The second part can be found here.

This is the first part of a series of posts analyzing the swing state Virginia. The second part can be found here.

During the ’08 campaign, the political beltway famously defined Virginia as a Republican stronghold gone Democratic. For ten straight presidential elections, the state had reliably turned up in the Republican column. President Barack Obama, however, promised to change that – and he did.

DOD Directive 1344.1 states: “wearing of the uniform by members of the Armed Forces (including retired members and members of Reserve components) is prohibited … During or in connection with furthering political activities …”

In many ways Democrats already seem on their heels so soon after voters rejected Republican politics en masse. But how is it that Republicans retain governing majorities far longer than Democrats in spite of the fact that they govern so badly? A few thoughts from an independent progressive voter and “Billionaire”.