Creigh Deeds is hoping that another Washington Post endorsement will gain him some much-needed momentum over Republican Bob McDonnell in the Virginia gubernatorial race.

The Democrat is up with a new television ad in Northern Virginia highlighting the Post’s endorsement this weekend, which champions his “admirable record of achievement” in the state legislature. The Washington Post logo is all over the 30-second spot.

Deeds’ campaign effectively messaged the Washington Post’s endorsement to Democratic primary voters to score a landslide win over his two Democratic opponents. It gave his campaign a seal of approval to primary voters unfamiliar with his record – and was a rare example of when a newspaper endorsement actually made a major impact in the race.

But in a general election, where turnout will be much higher and advertising has been swarming the local airwaves, it’s unlikely the endorsement will change many minds. Its main purpose is to improve Deeds’ standing in Northern Virginia, where a Washington Post poll showed him only leading McDonnell by five points – well below what’s necessary to win statewide.

By contrast, Gov. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) carried over 60 percent of the vote in Northern Virginia during the 2005 gubernatorial election.
Posted by Josh Kraushaar 11:57 AM

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