To Gain Control, Democrats Need a Message
Between now and the Nov. 6 election, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) will be trying to help Democrats gain seats in the Republican-controlled Senate and House of Delegates.</br></br>Kaine has recruited strong Democratic challengers in many competitive districts and raised more than $2 million. He has been hitting the campaign trail as if his name were on the ballot. Strategists from both parties say Democrats are well positioned to make substantial gains.</br></br>But it's hard to unseat an incumbent, even in a year in which Republicans might be dragged down by voter fatigue with national party policies in Washington. It's not clear whether Kaine and Democratic leaders have a compelling message that will persuade voters it's time to replace Republicans in the General Assembly.</br></br>Kaine has been betting that voters will reward him -- and Democratic candidates -- for the accolades Virginia has received under his leadership and that of his predecessor, Mark R. Warner (D).</br></br>Kaine frequently notes that Forbes magazine has named Virginia the "Best State for Business" for two years. Education Week has named Virginia one of the best states in which to raise a child. Virginia has several top-ranked public schools and one of the nation's lowest unemployment rates, Kaine notes.