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Incumbents lead in polls as races near conclusion

Upcoming General Assembly elections, which are less than two weeks away, are unlikely to bring defeat to incumbents Sen. Emily Couric, D-Charlottesville, and Del. Paul Harris (R-58th), according to political analysts.

Both Couric and Harris have substantial leads in polls, and the state political parties are spending little money on their challengers' campaigns, an indication that the races are not close, said Larry J. Sabato, government and foreign affairs professor.

"Upset is never out of the question, but it would be quite a shock if either of the opposed incumbents lost," Sabato said.

He said the incumbent's advantage comes not from poor challengers, but the strong economy. Virginians almost always re-elect state legislators in good times, he added.

However, challengers Jane Maddux (R) for the Senate and Ed Wayland (D) for the House remain optimistic about their campaigns and chances for victory.

"I feel like our support is growing every day," Wayland said.

Alicia Ward, campaign manager for Jane Maddux, said the campaign has attracted voter interest in Maddux's platform.

"We get very many calls for [platform pamphlets] daily," Ward said.

Maddux is busy campaigning as the election approaches, shaking hands and talking to area residents, she said.

Both challengers' campaign managers said they believe their experience and beliefs will resonate with voters.

"I think her values and her views are in line with this district," Ward said.

Wayland said he has more experience pertinent to legislative issues than Harris.

"What we tried to do is talk about my experience and record and compare it with Paul Harris' experience and his record," he said.

While Wayland has provided free legal aid as a lawyer, Harris only worked for a law firm for two years before becoming a delegate, he added.

Wayland said Harris has failed to offer ideas or make legislative progress as a delegate.

The Harris campaign countered Wayland's comments by saying Wayland's attacks on Harris have alienated voters.

"We think the Wayland campaign, as negative as it has been, has served only to make Paul look better," said Dale McGlothlin, chairman of the Charlottesville Republican Party.

Harris is "very popular" among conservatives and moderates, McClothin said, but Wayland said he is optimistic about the election.

"I think we're going to surprise people," he said.

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