[The Phantom FReeper]

The fact that Kilgore ran an awful campaign probably had more to do with his loss than anything else. It's easier to simply blame the President, though.

[Arthur Wildfire! March]

Not sure where you, Oh Phantom come from. Here in Virginia, State GOP has been running the legislature for a long time, raising taxes and diverting funds. Bush's wild spending spree didn't do much to help the GOP's image out here. The GOP still does hold the VA legislature.

Some people, when they mistrust both parties, make 'watchdog' choices. They want one party to check the other and hope that through all the fighting, scrapping, etc. that corruption will be ferreted out. To put it simply, Virginia voters are baffled right now. They can't tell a conservative from a leftist.

[newzjunkey]

"Awful campaign" riiiight. It was brilliant and sure to be victorious back on Monday. Now it's awful when someone suggests Bush's appearances acted like concrete boots!

The president is increasingly unpopular and it is entirely of his own making.

[WL-law]

The fact that Kilgore sounded an awful lot like Gomer Pyle on his ads didn't help much with those Virginians that didn't know much about him.

[SolutionsOnly]

Bush did not 'sink' Kilgore, but he certainly did not help much either.

By playing defense, not effectively countering the constant negative barrage from the media and Democrats, and by compromising conservative values (on spending, government growth, immigration, etc) The Bush administration hasn't given swing voters any reason to vote FOR the GOP.

Unless that changes, I expect that there will be little change. Given gerrymandering manipulation of the electorate believe incumbents will be hold their seats.

Fortunately the GOP's spinelessness and Public Relations ineptitude of a backbone is more than offset by the Democrats going off the leftist deep end. But if the Dems ever regain any sensibility, coherence and respect for religion, The GOP (in in its current state) is in big trouble.

I'm even confused these days. Based on actions (not words) what does the GOP really stand for?

[R. Scott]

Kilgore’s extremely negative campaign did turn off a lot of people – particularly the young. If he hadn’t been running against Kaine I would not have voted for him just because of the ads.

[patriciamary]

But,his visit should have been a boost and it was not.Bush has himself, his administration, and the party to blame.They sit back and take criticism for months,them he lightly fire back.It's pitiful.