SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – OVERNIGHT:

VIRGINIA TIED, NEW JERSEY CLOSING – A new Emerson poll shows the Virginia governorship race tied at 49-49.  Remember, Virginia has been trending Democratic in recent years, and Biden took the state by ten points in 2020.  The fact that a Republican candidate for governor, Glenn Youngkin, can deadlock the race is remarkable in itself.  We're hoping for an upset victory next Tuesday, November 2nd, that will demonstrate just how far the Democratic Party has fallen.

At the same time, the New Jersey governorship race, which had been called an easy win for Democrats by the usual pundits, has tightened considerably.  A month ago incumbent Democratic Governor Phil Murphy had a 13-point lead over little-known Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli.  That lead has been cut to six points.  While Jack is still a long shot, his rapid progress is attracting attention.  The election, as in Virginia, is a week away.   While New Jersey is considered a reliable Democratic state, the fact is that it sometimes elects Republican governors, like Chris Christie. 

We can dream of a double upset – Virginia and New Jersey. 

October 25, 2021