Downticket Dems Take Different Paths on McDonnell Thesis

Might Bob McDonnell's 20-year-old thesis, already the talk of the governor's race, also affect the races for attorney general and lieutenant governor?

It's hard to say, especially since the two Democratic campaigns are taking such different positions on the issue. Pete Kavanaugh, an advisor to lieutenant governor candidate Jody Wagner, said that as a working mother of four, she was particularly disturbed by McDonnell's writing. Wagner is the only woman on either party's statewide ticket.

"She proves how successful working women can be," Kavanaugh said. "Our question right now for [Lt. Gov. Bill] Bolling is is this really what he believes? Will he stand with McDonnell through this?"

Meanwhile, Brian Coy, a spokesman for Democratic attorney general candidate Steve Shannon, declined to comment.

"Steve Shannon is proud to be running with Creigh Deeds and thinks he is the right choice to be next Governor. Steve is running for Attorney General to make Virginia safer by cracking down on gangs, drunk drivers and internet predators who target our kids," he said.