Looks like Aneesh Chopra for the Dems and Corey Stewart for the Repubs are in for lieutenant governor. This is going to be a fairly interest race to watch on both sides. I have come to believe that for whatever reason, this race is often the best indicator of where the state is political because its so powerless on its own many of both party's more "principled' folks run for it. It, to me, is often the most stark in political contrast.
I suspect this is where we will see Ward Armstrong land for the Democrats when he decides to run statewide, though he might take his crusade against utilities to the AG race. Chopra is a fascinating candidate because he's young and very credible in biography. For the Republicans, its widely held that Keith Fimian and Jeff McWaters are looking hard at this race, but the most impressive Republican candidate could be Jill Vogel.
The Democrats have an interesting potential in their top two candidates could be Terry McAuliffe and Aneesh Chopra, two men who have never held political office nor come from the conventional county or Assembly background.
Speaking only for myself, I am not inclined to vote for a Senator in the Lt. Gov. race unless that person were from a very safe district, as the ensuing special election would determine control of the Senate.
Posted by: Samuel Gilleran | February 01, 2012 at 09:44 PM
I like the idea of having Corey Stewart as LG. We need more people in Richmond who came from a county background and understand the need for the state to fund the programs it has pushed off onto the local governments.
Posted by: Riley | February 02, 2012 at 01:12 AM
the problem, Riley, is he can do exactly zilch about even if he is elected.
Posted by: Chris | February 02, 2012 at 08:22 PM
Coming from the other significant population area, Hampton Roads, McWaters is a promising statewide candidate. But he really should spend a few more years making a name for himself as Majority Whip in the Senate to build some recognition.
Posted by: Not Dick Saslaw | February 07, 2012 at 03:43 AM
Chris, I understand that the position of LG can be somewhat powerless. However it is a stepping stone to higher office.
Posted by: Riley | February 07, 2012 at 11:38 PM