Virginia Republicans will gather in Richmond this weekend at a convention dominated by conservatives, even as fresh evidence shows them increasingly at odds with most voters in the commonwealth when it comes to key issues such as gay marriage, gun rights and immigration policy.
A new Washington Post poll shows stark challenges for both parties in the midst of a crucial gubernatorial race between Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II (R) and businessman Terry McAuliffe (D). But the state’s apparent ideological shift has clearer consequences for Republicans, who must strike a balance between catering to their core supporters and broadening their appeal to remain relevant in a rapidly changing state. [cont.]
Ben Pershing, Scott Clement & Errin Whack, Washington Post