Hanover will stay red this fall
Ken Odor
Jul 08, 2008

It was interesting to see both candidates for the seat of retiring Sen. John Warner show up for Hanover County’s annual Tomato Festival.

And indicative of the importance the growing county could play in the fall election, at all levels.

For Democrats, the goal is just peeling off some of the enormous majorities Republicans usually poll in the county. Just showing up and drawing attention forces the GOP to campaign in a county they should already have in the bag.

For Republicans, with the changing demographics and the teetering of Northern Virginia toward Maryland style politics, making sure Hanover stays strong for conservatives is essential for success in November.

Also interesting was the fact that both former governors did not link themselves to the top of their tickets.

Presumptive presidential candidates were not mentioned by either man, but that could be the fault of the interviewer, rather than the candidates.

Although for local help, it’s hard to imagine that latching onto Barack Obama’s coattails would be a wise move for Mark Warner.

On the other hand, Jim Gilmore could hardly go wrong aligning himself with John McCain, who one must guess will easily carry Hanover.

After it’s all said and done, even if Obama picks Tim Kaine as veep, Hanover stays red is the prediction from here.

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