Reply #10: Virginia has long been a purple state

[Muttocracy]

For many years VA would vote GOP for Pres but Dem for governor, send one senator of each party, have a mix of congressmen, etc.

Look at geographic results for both primaries - the big difference is along geographic gradients within the state. Higher population growth in some parts of the state or changing issues over time could easily change the shade of purple.

And then look at the vote totals - very few GOP in the primary - maybe they just don't care or thought it was already decided, but still.

http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/results/states/VA.html