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former congressman L.F. Payne seeking the stepping-stone job of lieutenant-governor. Beyer is from Northern Virginia and has demonstrated strength there in the past.
Dolan, also a Northern Virginian, was the party nominee for attorney general four years ago, but was beaten by Gilmore who is now the GOP gubernatorial nominee. Some Democratic operatives complained then that Dolan was a less than vigorous campaigner who contented himself with 8-hour days when a 14 hour schedule was needed. One long-time Democrat claimed that efforts were made this year to find an alternative to Dolan, but, no suitable candidate emerged.
The smell of tobacco is already settling over the campaign with the various candidates being asked to choose up sides on the issue. Other emerging themes include taxes, the Christian Coalition, education and ethics. With six white men filling out the tickets of the two parties, there is little diversity.
Some observers believe that black voters, critical to Democratic chances, are less than enthused about the ticket and that former Governor Doug Wilder’s frequent criticism of Beyer may damage his chances.
It may be, too, that election-weary state voters won’t be as excited about this gubernatorial election as they were in 1989 when Wilder won or in 1994 when Allen trounced Democrat Mary Sue Terry. If that’s the case, that total voter turnout may decline for the first time in many gubernatorial election years.
John Goolrick, a former political reporter, is now an aide to 1st District Rep. Herbert H. Bateman. Opinions expressed are his own.
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