Virginia

Normally a gubernatorial election in the Commonwealth of Virginia is of interest only to Virginians, and that interest usually wanes after the Democratic primary. But this year it is different. Beneath the superficial aspects of a political contest are important national issues. Richmond is once more the beleaguered Capital of Dissent.

In the foreground are the presumptive candidates for Governor: State Attorney General J. Lindsay Almond (Dem.); State Senator “Ted” (Theodore Roosevelt) Dalton (Rep.). The Republican nominating convention meets July 5; the Democrats’ primary is on July 9. Senator Dalton has indicated that he is not eager for the nomination, but he is by far the most formidable contender the GOP could name. As a gubernatorial candidate in 1953 he lost—but he harvested 45 per cent of the total vote cast. No other Republican candidate for the governorship has come close to that record in nearly a century. Most observers believe Lindsay will win, but Dalton (if he runs) is conceded something better than an outside chance. This is due in large part to the fact that Northern Virginia (Arlington and Fairfax counties, which border on Washington) is by no means wedded to the Democratic ticket. Since 1930 the population of this area has jumped from 78,000 to almost half a million. A large percentage is employed by the federal government and recent events, including elections, have provided proof positive of a strong Liberal sentiment.

SJ

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Sam M. Jones

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Normally a gubernatorial election in the Commonwealth of Virginia is of interest only to Virginians, and that interest usually wanes after the Democratic primary. But this year it is different. Beneath the superficial aspects of a political contest are important national issues. Richmond is once more the beleaguered Capital of Dissent.

In the foreground are the presumptive candidates for Governor: State Attorney General J. Lindsay Almond (Dem.); State Senator “Ted” (Theodore Roosevelt) Dalton (Rep.). The Republican nominating convention meets July 5; the Democrats’ primary is on July 9. Senator Dalton has indicated that he is not eager for the nomination, but he is by far the most formidable contender the GOP could name. As a gubernatorial candidate in 1953 he lost—but he harvested 45 per cent of the total vote cast. No other Republican candidate for the governorship has come close to that record in nearly a century. Most observers believe Lindsay will win, but Dalton (if he runs) is conceded something better than an outside chance. This is due in large part to the fact that Northern Virginia (Arlington and Fairfax counties, which border on Washington) is by no means wedded to the Democratic ticket. Since 1930 the population of this area has jumped from 78,000 to almost half a million. A large percentage is employed by the federal government and recent events, including elections, have provided proof positive of a strong Liberal sentiment.