Let's get real. The Dem candidate received 53% of the vote. The other 47% loses regardless of how many candidates there are.
And let's talk about the 33rd district. The vacancy was created because a Dem, Mark Herring, was elected AG. It is a solid Dem district. It went 59%-39% for Obama in 2012 and for Kaine 60%-40%. It was redistricted in 2011 making it more Dem. Herring won his race in 2011 54%-46%.
It is 57% white, 10% black, 21% Asian, and 12% other. It is 20% Hispanic who can be of any race.
The Rep was always the underdog in this race. I don't understand all of the hand-wringing about the loss, which was expected. VA is purple trending solid blue, It is just a matter of demographics. The numbers are against us and it will get worse as every cohort that turns 18 is more Dem than the previous one.
Let’s get real. The Dem candidate received 53% of the vote. The other 47% loses regardless of how many candidates there are.
I am not buying that.
(1) You had two candidates basically running against and attacking the republican candidate — one being a former republican.
(2) If it was so expected as you state, some discouraged voters may have just stayed home.
(3) A third candidate often takes focus off the two candidates that have the greatest chance to win. The third candidate was a distraction that I am sure the democrat appreciated.