This VA GOP mailer is several things, all of which reflect VERY poorly – but accurately – on that party. Among other things, it was really stupid. And slimy/gross. And bizarre. As Chaz Nuttycombe puts it:
“This was a goddamn dumb move and can easily backfire. I honestly did not expect Republicans to do this, most voters knew about the story and Owen’s been a heavy favorite. His margins have decreased since September, sure, but now you’re just looking like assholes.
Rather than an anonymous tip to the WaPo, Republicans are now letting voters know they are complicit in spreading this. It’s one thing for a Republican to give a tip on this, but to actually send a mailer containing that stuff is downright insane.
If Gibson wins, it’s going to be because of these mailers. Period.”
Also check out what UVA Professor Larry Sabato had to say about this:
“They have decided that this will benefit their candidate. You wonder whether perhaps a private survey indicated that Susanna Gibson was doing better than they expected her to because that is a very competitive district. it could even be said under certain circumstances it leans Democratic.”
And here’s the reaction by Virginia House Democrats:
”The MAGA Republicans can’t help themselves from showing their true colors. This is a desperate attempt to distract and deflect from how many of their candidates are on the record wanting to ban abortion. Let’s not forget, David Owen is the same guy who was caught on camera saying he wanted to change the makeup of the General Assembly to institute said ban. The VA GOP can’t be trusted and this continues to make that clear.”
Finally, it’s possible that Sam Shirazi is right, and that “Maybe they are seeing something we aren’t or it could be a long shot attempt to win the SD-16 State Senate race in the area?” But in general, when it comes to MAGA Republicans, it’s probably better to assume malice, nastiness and stupidity than any well-thought-out strategy that might actually win over swing voters…
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