Election Eve Predictions with Pundit Ben Tribbett

(Nov. 7, 2016) Catherine Read speaks with well known political pundit Ben Tribbett on the eve of the 2016 presidential election pitting Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump. Known by many as @NotLarrySabato on Twitter, Ben has been blogging and prognosticating about elections since his high school days. A native of Virginia, he has been involved in numerous elections at a national, state and local level. This election season he is involved with a number of campaigns in various capacities and he takes time out to talk about the races of greatest interest to voters across Virginia.

In addition to the top of the ticket race, there are 11 Congressional seats in Virginia that will be decided as well. One of the most closely watched races is between two women candidates in Virginia’s 10th CD: incumbent Barbara Comstock (R) and challenger LuAnn Bennett (D). There is an open seat in the 5th CD with VA Senator Thomas Garrett (R) facing off against Jane Dittmar (D), and another open seat in the 4th CD where VA Senator Donald McEachin (D) is facing off against Mike Wade (R).

Another closely watched race is for the Mayor of Richmond which has three candidates at the top of a field of eight candidates vying for the top spot: Joe Morrissey, Jack Berry and Levar Stoney.

Locally we have a Meals Tax on the ballot in Fairfax County, and statewide, there is a Right to Work amendment to the Virginia Constitution on the ballot.

Should Tim Kaine become Vice President on Nov. 8th, there is a potential for an appointment that could cause a ripple affect among other elected offices elsewhere in the state. There is a great deal of speculation on who Gov. Terry McAuliffe might appoint to fill a U.S. Senate vacancy and who might be running to fill that seat in November of 2017.

Virginia is one of only two states with “off year” Governor’s races which means our voters and those in New Jersey will be facing major elections again next year. There will be primaries in June to determine the candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General for the 2017 election. Ben gives us his well thought out predictions on what might happen in these races and who we should keep our eye on.