Va. GOP strikes at Obama forcefully

By Bob Stuart

Published: June 6, 2008

John McCain’s Virginia supporters have wasted no time in taking shots at McCain’s presumed Democratic opponent in November, Sen. Barack Obama.
In the few days since Obama wrapped up the Democratic presidential nomination, McCain supporters have assailed the Illinois senator’s liberalism, lack of experience, proposed policies and church affiliations.
But one political expert said the Obama campaign has a broad strategy for winning Virginia.
Obama’s campaign will target unregistered Black residents and young voters with the belief the Democrat can win Virginia if those groups are successfully recruited.
Obama surprised many by starting his general election campaign in Virginia on Thursday, visiting the state’s southwestern and northern regions, and appearing with former Gov. Mark Warner, current Gov. Tim Kaine and Sen. Jim Webb.
Obama will have to defy the odds to win Virginia in November.
No Democratic presidential candidate has won the commonwealth since 1964, when President Lyndon Johnson captured the state over Republican Barry Goldwater as part of his election landslide.
Del. Chris Saxman, R-Staunton, McCain’s Virginia campaign co-chairman, thinks Obama’s Virginia chances are slim in November.
“The Democrats have nominated the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate,’’ said Saxman, who said Obama will not attract the moderate swing voters who helped elect both Kaine and Warner governor.
Saxman said Kaine and Warner have been able to run as quasi-Republicans, something he said Obama will not be able to do.
The Democrat’s lack of experience will also be telling, according to Saxman.
“Six months ago, Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton said he was too inexperienced,’’ Saxman said. “With the economy softening, who do you trust to get the job done?”
Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell also offered his critique of Obama, saying the senator has an “F’’ rating from the NRA and that he wants to raise taxes on coal and dirty energy and oppose a new coal plant in southwest Virginia.
McDonnell said these Obama stands “will resonate quite well in that part of the state.”
But James Madison University political scientist Bob Roberts said the Obama campaign is looking at hundreds of thousands of unregistered and potential African-American voters, as well registering a large block of young people ages 18 to 30.
“By getting the African-American and new young voters, he can enlarge the electorate,’’ Roberts said. “If he can’t do that, he will lose.”
In reaching out to potential young voters, Roberts said Obama will target college campuses and Virginia’s 40 independent cities, where young people tend to live.
Saxman said the clear choice is McCain, who not only is a war hero, but a senator “who has been able to walk across the aisle” and work with Democrats.
“With John McCain, what you see is what you get, a hero who puts America first. It’s a story of sacrifice,’’ Saxman said.
Saxman said Obama’s judgment can also be questioned in his affiliation with Trinity United Church of Christ and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
Wright’s fiery sermons and harsh comments have drawn much media attention.
“The stuff at his church is jaw dropping,’’ Saxman said. “How can you sit in the pews for 20 years and not be affected by it?”
A prominent Virginia Democrat, House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran, said Obama can offer the country a new and needed direction.
“Whether you’re a Democrat, Independent or Republican you know we need a new direction for our country and that’s what Senator Obama offers,’’ Moran said. “He will work to reduce the rising price of gas and groceries, restore a responsible energy policy for our nation, and begin to bring our troops home from Iraq. I’m confident in his prospects in Virginia because he can deliver the type of change we all know is so desperately needed.”
Meanwhile, McCain will visit Virginia on Monday, with stops expected in both Richmond and Northern Virginia.