On Monday morning, I mentioned one of the Virginia down-ticket races:
Rafael Lopez in the House of Delegates, District 52, in eastern Prince William County. Democrat Luke Torian should win this race: This part of the county leans Democratic, he has a big lead in campaign funds, and he’s the pastor of a large church whose members are good bets to vote in this low-turnout year. But Lopez, his Republican opponent, could pull an upset. The current, retiring officeholder is a member of the GOP. Moreover, Lopez brought in a big gun last week: Rudy Giuliani stumped for him. How many state-legislative candidates get that kind of a boost? Someone thinks he stands a chance. A Lopez victory would signal a big year for Republicans in Virginia.
Result: Torian 52 percent, Lopez 48 percent.