If the media calls the House races in November referenda on taxes, somebody ought to take them out to the woodshed. Only Reese fell to Craddock. Now we can expect the Dems to come up with someone to challenge Craddock, whose youth and religious fervor ought to horrify more mainstream Republicans and Democrats alike.
Otherwise, this is a big loss for Americans for Tax Reform’s Grover Norquist, James Parmelee, who leads the Virginia office of GOPUSA, and Arthur Purves, the Fairfax anti-tax crusader who actually was on the Republican primary ballot to challenge Steve Shannon. The anti-tax crowd suffered big losses but don’t expect to hear that from them, or probably the press tomorrow. There will be some who think that Craddock’s victory alone is enough to cheer the “it’s my money and I want to keep it” crowd. But when they try to spin it, smile and repeat: “Say goodnight, Gracie.”
The only cliffhanger right now is the Democratic primary in the 74th: two precincts yet to report and a 10 vote difference. It’s a Warner vs. Wilder battle, they say.
The Fairfax election site has totals for its races that haven’t made it to the state site.
Correction: Apparently the Dems have a candidate to challenge Craddock: Chuck Caputo. They’ve done a good job of hiding him.
Otherwise, it’s Kaine/Byrne & Deeds vs. Kilgore/Bolling & McDonnell.