Last time we ran McCain, who despite his RINO flaws, is a Christian war hero. Southerners hate Romney to the point that they are voting for Santorum, a Catholic, in overwhelming numbers. Look at Louisiana’s results. I live in VA and can tell you Romney has no shot here. VA is dominated by 3 metro areas. Hampton Roads and Richmond are near 50% black, Northern Virginia is liberal. To win in VA, you need the rural evangelicals and the 50% white in Richmond and Hampton Roads. Romney may get what votes, but they aren’t going to turn out for him. I don’t think Romney will lose all of the South, but he will lose some. TX and GA will be battlegrounds.
So does Romney suppress the polls and Kaine somehow beats Allen? I don’t see that happening. You are counting on the same Dem turnout that occurred in 2008 to vote again this year. Not going to happen. VA is in play, even for Willard.
Apparently, some of that vote was from Democrats crossing over and voting in the Republican primary, in order to skunk the Republicans; Operation Chaos in reverse.
I think MOST Republicans, at least those not enamored of Romney will take an 'ABO' attitude, and vote for whoever the Republican nominee happens to be.
Last time around, McCain was the “establishment” candidate while Romney was the upstart. This time around, Romney is the “establishment” candidate.
I live in Virginia as well, and I don’t see hordes of people fearing Romney like the ignorant masses here. I don’t know what deluded world you’re living in, but it sure isn’t the real world.