The Virginia’s governor’s race is a contest between two unfavorable candidates

Next Tuesday Virginia goes to the polls to elect a new governor, with Democrat Terry McAuliffe leading in the polls over his Republican rival Ken Cuccinelli. Toni-Michelle C. Travis takes a look at the election race so far, writing that both candidates’ campaigns have been overshadowed by ethical questions, with many voters viewing the pair unfavorably. She argues that McAuliffe’s lead among women, as well as Virginia’s changing population, illustrates that candidates now must appeal to the mainstream, and not the ideological fringe.