Former president Barack Obama will be in RichmondThursday. As an effort to get out the vote in this year’s race for Governor, he’s hitting the campaign trail with Democratic candidate Ralph Northam.
Black voters in Virginia came out in large numbers to support Barack Obama’s two presidential campaigns. And in 2013, another off year, they also came out to vote in the Governor’s race -- helping the Democrat win by a slim margin.
This year’s polls suggest another tight race for Governor, but Democrat Ralph Northam’s campaign has been criticized for lacking energy.
“The Democratic Party has had a difficult time moving post Obama,” said Ravi Perry, a political scientist at Virginia Commonwealth University.
“So for Northam it’s beneficial for Obama to come because that is likely to increase the voter turnout within people of color communities that might ensure that Northam can win the central cities that are necessary for him to have a shot,” said Perry.
And while data shows African-Americans largely vote Democratic, Republican Ed Gillespie has held roundtable events at barber shops, accepted an NAACP debate invitation, and vocally supported criminal justice reform.
Thursday's rally is free and open to the public, but people interested in attending must have a ticket. Tickets are being handed out on a first come, first serve basis at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.