(AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
Not a lot of attention has been paid nationally to the Virginia Democratic gubernatorial primary race because former governor Terry McAuliffe is considered to be a shoo-in for the nomination.
In fact, a New York Times report from Thursday asked if “anyone [can] take on Terry McAuliffe,” considering his deep Democratic connections and apparent popularity with Democratic voters in the state due to his previous stint as governor:
There’s been scant polling in this race, but McAuliffe is regarded as a clear front-runner, partly because of his formidable connections and résumé, and partly because his challengers have similarities — albeit some superficial — that could split their support. Aside from Lee Carter, a 33-year-old Marine veteran and member of the House of Delegates, the three other candidates — Jennifer McClellan, Jennifer Carroll Foy and [Lt. Gov.] Justin Fairfax — are Black, younger than McAuliffe and generally to his left.