Prospects for a Republican sweep in the state’s marquee races brighten almost by the minute as Democrats struggle against drags at the top of the state and national parties. R. Creigh Deeds and President Barack Obama look like a dating service mismatch, each racing for the door as though fleeing an unwanted goodnight kiss.

It’s good to be Timothy M. Kaine these days principally because he’s not Mark Sanford. Virginia’s governor, like his counterpart in South Carolina, gets around, but Kaine, in senses platonic and political. So while South Carolina proceeds with inquiries to determine whether Sanford, the skunk, spent taxpayer cash to pursue l’amour in Argentina, Virginia Republicans have halted nosing into the possible use of state tax money to aid Kaine’s cross-country politicking as Democratic National Committee chairman. C’est la vie.

Whatever compromise it might engender, politics is more artful than art, evidenced by the ritual whir of campaign spin and a resulting diffusion of rhetorical miasma thick enough to slice. This explains the scenario that has Republican gubernatorial contender Bob McDonnell and Democratic foe R. Creigh Deeds drifting toward that gooey locus known as the center, chanting om and drawing near one another, philosophically now and maybe at the polls later, like last time.

Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell said Friday he is not sweating a GOP losing streak in U.S. Senate and gubernatorial elections that stretches back to 2001.

RICHMOND — Republican Bob McDonnell accepted his party’s charge Saturday to pry the Virginia governor’s office from Democratic control for the first time since 2002.

Political guru Larry Sabato expects a banner day for Democrats.

Tuesday saw the Republican National Convention back on track with President, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson and Independent Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman speaking on behalf of “Country First.” President Bush was seen through a taped message from the White House.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — President Bush hailed John McCain on Tuesday night as a man “ready to lead this nation” and a courageous candidate who risked his White House ambitions to support an unpopular Iraq war. Republicans defended vice presidential running mate Sarah Palin in the face of fresh controversy.

The Augusta County Republican Party elected a new chairman during tonight’s meeting.