Presidential election looms over Virginia Senate race The Virginia Senate race between Democrat Tim Kaine and likely Republican candidate George Allen is perhaps a referendum on Obama more than anything.  It will test whether his ability in 2008 to expand Democratic territory into states like Virginia, North Carolina and Indiana was more than a one-time blip in the electoral landscape. “It’s a pure coat-tail race,” said Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. “The winner of the presidential contest will also pick up the Senate seat.” Photo credit: Tim Kaine listens to his introduction by Barack Obama in Washington, January 8, 2009. REUTERS/Jim Young

Presidential election looms over Virginia Senate race

The Virginia Senate race between Democrat Tim Kaine and likely Republican candidate George Allen is perhaps a referendum on Obama more than anything. 

It will test whether his ability in 2008 to expand Democratic territory into states like Virginia, North Carolina and Indiana was more than a one-time blip in the electoral landscape.

“It’s a pure coat-tail race,” said Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. “The winner of the presidential contest will also pick up the Senate seat.”

Photo credit: Tim Kaine listens to his introduction by Barack Obama in Washington, January 8, 2009. REUTERS/Jim Young