CNN Moves VA-02 (Elaine Luria), VA-07 (Abigail Spanberger) In a "Blue" Direction, to "Toss-Up"
CNN Moves VA-02 (Elaine Luria), VA-07 (Abigail Spanberger) In a Blue Direction, to Toss-Up; VA-10 (Jennifer Wexton) and VA-05 (Leslie Cockburn) Also Looking Promising
In case you missed it, this morning CNN moved two Congressional races in Virginia in a blue direction:
VA-02: Complicating Taylors bid is the potential for down-ballot drag from Corey Stewarts position atop the GOP ticket in Virginia this fall. Taylor, a former Navy SEAL, has been critical of Stewart, saying he has zero shot at defeating Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine based on the campaign hes running. If some GOP voters stay home because they object to Stewarts hardline politics, Taylors chances could take a hit. Race moves from Lean Republican to Toss-Up
VA-07: In 2016, Trump carried the 7th District by six points 50% to 44%. Northam lost the district by less than four points in 2017. Brat will face Democrat Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA operations officer. She outraised Brat by more than $140,000 in the second quarter, though he has nearly double the cash on hand $917,000 to $465,000. Like in the 2nd District, Stewart could also be a factor in this race. Race moves from Lean Republican to Toss-Up
Obviously, this is good news both purple districts moving to Toss-Up status, according to CNN. Also note that Larry Sabatos Crystal Ball now has VA-02 and VA-07 as Toss-Up as well, while the Cook Political Report has VA-07 as Toss-Up, VA-02 as Lean Republican and VA-05 (Democrat Leslie Cockburn vs. Republican Denver Riggleman) as Lean Republican. As for VA-10 (Democrat Jennifer Wexton vs. Rep. Barbara Comstock), all three analysts (Cook, CNN, Sabato) have it as Lean Democratic.
Read more:
https://bluevirginia.us/2018/07/cnn-moves-va-02-elaine-luria-va-07-abigail-spanberger-in-a-blue-direction-to-toss-up