How polling methodology affects Ralph Northam’s lead in the Virginia governor’s race

Final polls show Democrat Ralph Northam holding a slight edge over Republican Ed Gillespie before Tuesday’s election for governor of Virginia. But a lot of uncertainty remains, especially given the typically low turnout in off-year elections and recent poll misfires in Virginia. Polls significantly underestimated Republican candidates in the 2013 […] Read more »

Avoiding Trump, but Adopting His Divisive Playbook: Will It Work in Virginia?

Propelled by demographic changes that are turning Virginia into an increasingly blue state and a liberal base energized by the convulsive Trump presidency, Democrats have long been favored to retain the governorship here when the state goes to the polls on Tuesday. But a racially tinged, divisive campaign by the […] Read more »

Republicans in Virginia and nationwide are using ‘sanctuary cities’ as a weapon against Democrats

Days before Virginia’s tight gubernatorial election, Democratic nominee Ralph Northam is still facing questions about his stance toward “sanctuary cities” — localities that decline to enforce federal immigration laws. … In tight elections from New York to Albuquerque, Republicans are using sanctuary cities to attack Democrats as enabling Latino gang […] Read more »