Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for June 12, 2017
The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
June 12, 2017: By the traditional rules of politics, Lt. Governor Ralph Northam should easily win tomorrow’s primary election and become the Democratic nominee for Governor of Virginia. His opponent, Tom Perriello, is running as an outsider trying to channel resentment against President Donald Trump. Like Trump, Perriello is betting that the traditional rules of politics no longer apply.
The New York Times calls this race “the most significant intraparty Democratic yet in the Trump era.” Some suggest the race is similar to the 2008 presidential primary featuring Hillary Clinton as the establishment candidate and Barack Obama as the more liberal alternative. Like Clinton, Northam has highlighted his experience in office and a pragmatic ability to get things done. Perriello has emphasized the need for change. [1]
The limited supply of public polling on the race suggests that the race is too close to call.
Northam has been running for Governor ever since becoming Lt. Governor four years ago. His influence and front runner status was highlighted back on January 4, 2016 when the Virginia Democratic Senate and House caucuses unanimously endorsed his candidacy.[2] Every Statewide Official and State Legislator in Virginia has endorsed him.[1]
Former Congressman Tom Perriello has run an unabashedly progressive campaign attracting support from outside the state including endorsements from Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Like many of his former colleagues, Perriello lost his seat in Congress after voting to support President Obama’s health care law.
In addition to the endorsement edge, Northam has a financial advantage in the race. As of June 1, he had $1.3 million cash on hand compared to Perriello’s $730,000. Once again, Northam draws support from within the state--88% of his campaign contributions have come from within Virginia. Perriello, however, has attracted 72% of his financial support from outside the state. George Soros is one of his major backers.
While this may be the most significant early battle between establishment Democrats and the progressive wing of the party, it will not be the last.
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See also
- Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day
- Virginia gubernatorial election, 2017
- Ralph Northam
- Tom Perriello
Footnotes
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