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Virginia's gender gapSen. Barack Obama leads Sen. John McCain among women in Virginia but trails among men, according to a recent poll. Among women, Obama led 51 percent to 41 percent with 8 percent undecided, according to the survey by Public Policy Polling. Among men, McCain led with 50 percent to 42 percent for Obama with 8 percent undecided. In a gauge of party unity, among Democrats surveyed in the poll, Obama had the support of 78 percent to 17 percent for McCain, with 5 percent undecided. Overall, Obama led with 47 percent of the vote to 45 percent for McCain, with 8 percent undecided. Public Policy Polling, based in Raleigh, N.C., surveyed 893 likely voters June 14 and 16. The poll's margin of error was plus or minus 3.3 percentage points. -- Andrew Cain • Ex-rivals urge unity • Virginia's Democrats say they're united |
While Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton were making nice in Unity, N.H., Democrats were talking togetherness in Virginia.
Clinton backers were putting aside any vestiges of disappointment for the goal of winning the presidential race, several Democrats said.
"There is always some disappointment, but the goal of winning is bigger than one person," said Susan Swecker of Richmond, a Clinton superdelegate who is chairwoman of the Southern caucus of the Democratic National Committee.
At a meeting of the Southern chairs in Mobile, Ala., a week ago, "we did not spend a lot of time rehashing history," Swecker said. "Everyone realizes what the stakes are. This is about the direction our country is going in."
Swecker stayed with Clinton until the primaries and caucuses were completed and the New York senator signaled that she would support Obama.
The Obama campaign has planned 260 "Unite for Change" house parties across the state today. Parties will be held at homes in Chesterfield County and Richmond.
"We are very united," said Missy Neff of Richmond, a member of the Richmond Democratic Committee. "A couple of folks wish it could have gone another way, but they are united about winning back the presidency."
Pat Hudson of Henrico County said, "Everyone is focused on winning in November. They want to do everything they can to make sure Obama is elected."
A Democrat last carried Virginia in 1964, but this year, Obama is considered to be competitive in the state.
"We still see some people maybe holding a grudge, but people are coming together," said Christy Bieber, executive director of the Virginia Young Democrats. "I'm a Clinton delegate, but I absolutely support Barack Obama."
While Obama won the large majority of the Virginia delegates to the national nominating convention in Denver at the end of August, about 35 remain pledged to Clinton, although they can switch their votes.
Del. Lionell Spruill Sr. of Chesapeake, a superdelegate pledged to Clinton, said: "Obama is the nominee. I am going to work as hard for him as I did for her."
George Burke of Fairfax County, the 11th District Democratic chairman, said the Obama campaign is working hard to promote unity in Virginia.
"It's only been about two weeks, and a lot of the residual passion has dissipated," he said.
Burke supported Clinton. His wife backed Obama.
Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or twhitley@timesdispatch.com.
