Who Runs Gov

The Plum LineGreg Sargent's blog

Rebuttal To DNC Talking Points

A few facts you won’t find in the DNC talking points.

New Jersey Gubernatorial Race

* Obama carried New Jersey by 16 points in 2008.

* A Republican victory in New Jersey is also significant because Corzine outspent Christie on television by $10 million.

* Governor-Elect Chris Christie carried six counties that President Obama carried in 2008 and exceeded President Obama’s share of the vote in one of them.

Virginia Gubernatorial Race

* Obama carried Virginia by 7 points in 2008.

* The chairman of the House Democratic caucus in Virginia acknowledges that the elections are a referendum on policies of Obama and the Democrats: “It’s been difficult to buck the headwind of the national mood.”

* Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell carried 27 counties that President Obama carried in 2008 and exceeded President Obama’s share of the vote in 18 of them.

* Bob McDonnell carried 35 counties that Governor Kaine carried in 2005 and exceeded Governor Kaine’s share of the vote in 27 of them.

* Bob McDonnell won all 4 of the congressional districts currently held by targeted Democrats in Virginia: Glenn Nye, Tom Perriello, Rick Boucher and Gerry Connolly.