Update 1: One thing to note about Virginia is that the pro-Republican areas tend to report first. So, in an election that is already expected to be a blow-out, this could get real ugly, real fast.
In 2008, candidate Obama won independent voters in Virginia, 49%-48%, according to exit polls. But the exits in this year's contest show that independents abandoned Creigh Deeds (D) and went overwhelmingly for the Republican, Bob McDonnell, 62%-37%.
Voters, age 18-29, made up more than one in every five voters in 2008 (21%) in Virginia. This year, they made up just 10%. They broke 60%-39% for Obama, but just 51%-47% for Deeds.
By contrast, older voters (65+) made up more of the electorate this time around in Virginia. In 2008, voters 65 and older made up 11% of the electorate; in 2009, 18%. They broke for the Republican both times by similar margins -- in 2008, 53%-46% for John McCain; in 2009, 55%-45% for McDonnell.
That is a seriously depressed base in Virginia.
Update 3: To no one's surprise, McDonnell wins. I guess Deeds just didn't swerve far enough to the right. After all, the under-30 vote was only cut in half. He could have done better than that.
Another great victory for Blue Dogism. This thread won't be updated anymore.
Tonight, we will be covering election results in three threads:
One thread for Maine, starting at 8 p.m., eastern (Adam)
One thread for New Jersey, starting at 8 p.m., eastern (me)
One thread for everything else, starting at 7 p.m. eastern (me)
In the meantime, this is an open thread to discuss the elections tonight, before any results come in.
Update (Adam): 1. Turnout is exceeding expectations in most of our target precincts. Sec/State had to eat his words this am re his prediction of 35% turnout. Volunteer shifts at location after location is great, people are coming back for more turf. Field ppl saying we want to be north of 45% in terms of turnout to be in good shape.
2. Jesse Connolly is going on Maddow at 9:15 PM EST.
3. No legal reports of suppression besides a few isolated incidents re people asked if they are legal residents.
4. Polls are open until 8 PM. If you have friends in Maine, be sure to text/call them and remind them to vote. They can find their polling place at this link. Have to get every last vote.
