Please don't buy into that spin.
If Kaine wins, the Dimms retain the post. Not a big political deal.
You need to know that VA is notorious for electing Dimm governors and Republican presidents---VA even went for Dole in 96.
Why?....Because Dimms running for governor run on a Conservative platform. For instance, Kaine's last voice mail reminded voters that he's pro-business and anti-gay marriage. (Don't tell the libs).
VA is Conservative, and it's statewide candidates run as such.
That's why a southern democrat can't win the democrat presidential nomination(Clinton being the exception). To get the demo nomination they have to go way left.
I'm in the Chicago area, and Kaine is TO THE LEFT of alot of the suburban and even urban Dems up here. My state Rep (D) and state Senator (D) both have A ratings from Right-to-Life and are anti-gay "rights", and my state Senator was one of only two RATs in the Illinois Senate to oppose in-state tuition for illegal aliens. U.S. Congressman Lipinski (D-IL) is simularly pro-life. Even the mayor of Chicago is basically a pro-life centrist aside from his looney anti-gun and gay-luvin' views.
According to Kilgore's own campaign material, Kaine is solidly pro-abortion, pro-taxes, anti-gun guy who deserved himself as "liberal and proud of it". He's even got internet ads with a bunch of ultra lefty Democrats saying "I'm Barack Obama and I'm standign with Tim Kaine", "I'm Jennifer Granholm and I'm standing with Tim Kaine", etc.
If that's Virgina's idea of a "conservative Dem", I'd hate to see what kinda "liberal Dems" get elected there.
There are some Fairfax FReepers here that are pretty lib on social issues.
Between the DC burbs, Charlottesville lefties and Tidewater black vote...it's not as easy for Virginny as it once was.