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The proposed bypass around Washington, D.C. has been another unwanted topic for the campaigns. While Wilder and Coleman both support an eastern bypass, their positions on a western bypass have been as easy to pin down as a greased pig. The lieutenant governor said he supports the concept of a western bypass. Coleman has repeatedly said the western roadway is inevitable. Both expressed concerns about the environmental impact of a western route and await further study.
Another subject attracting outof-state interest is race. Should Wilder be elected, he would become the first black governor in the nation, marking another first for Virginia. However, the topic has received little air time in-state. Wilder refuses to discuss it. Coleman has a reputation of being a colorblind candidate. Both know it would be political suicide to make race an issue. However, with the Governor’s Mansion located in the capital of the Confederacy, the significance of a grandson of slaves becoming governor can not be ignored.
“It’s an issue, but it cuts both ways,” said Morris. Some will not vote for Wilder because he is black. Some will vote for Wilder because he is black, said Morris. Whether the prejudices balance out can only be a matter for speculation. Nevertheless, Wilder’s candidacy has captured national attention.
For Coleman, the election is life or death to his political career. Having run unsuccessfully for governor in 1981 and lieutenant governor in 1985, he is taking his third shot at a statewide office since serving as attorney general eight years ago.
“Three strikes and you’re out,” said Sabato, who added that Coleman’s ads are crucial as the countdown to election day begins.
The latest polls show Wilder ahead by 15 points, but Wilder and Coleman are two candidates who have never put much stock in polls. “I’ve got my eyes on the goals, not the polls,” has been Coleman’s stock response to questions about the commanding Wilder lead reported in Sunday’s Post poll. Both candidates are expected to pour millions of campaign dollars into television and radio commercial to secure the votes of remaining undecided Virginians.
The main target will be urban and suburban voters who make up over 50 percent of the voter population, according to Morris.
96.2%