Real Virginia was Really Useless

[minionofmidas]

Florida is the same way.

No, not even remotely comparable.

Not at all comparable as far as swings/trends/etc go.
Virginia in 2008 was doing a rather good Florida impression, though. Think about it: One big but not all-dominating metro that is Democratic, more so than the state, but not a blowout. Several other metros. Lots of Republican countryside, much of which isn't *strictly* rural (non-metropolitan) either. Southern traditions, lots of northern newcomers (but in Florida, lots of southern newcomers too - but then it just simply has grown far more during our lifetime).

[minionofmidas]

So what explains the big swings in the non-NOVA parts of the state: Richmond, Va Beach, Norfolk, etc?

Very good question. That is one thing I really wasn't expecting. And black turnout really can't explain all of it.

The same metro appeal thing that Obama had nationwide.

Yeah I suppose so. I think one of the reasons I didn't think Obama would do as well is because of the many military installations there. Of course Obama didn't do bad at all among the military.( for a democrat)

The military personnel don't vote at the bases.

Some do.

How many exactly is hard to say due to widespread postal voting etc.