These guys haven't made much of an impression yet. Voters rate both Beyer and Gilmore highly on issue after issue, from defending the environment to keeping Virginia's economy strong. But many Virginians seem conflicted about what they want and which of the two moderate, experienced officeholders would deliver it. Some of those surveyed say they are undecided because Beyer and Gilmore have adopted parts of each other's platforms. I think it's a crying shame.
Nobody can please everybody.
Many voters also were reluctant to give Gilmore credit for Allen's accomplishments, which have included overhauling welfare, abolishing parole and presiding over a period of falling crime and unemployment. Besides plans to hire more teachers and phase out Virginia's unpopular property tax on cars and trucks, Gilmore has focused on casting himself as Allen's logical heir. That's like saying the quarterback for the Washington Redskins won the game. The poll suggests that despite the bustling economy and falling crime, some voters are restless for change. A majority faulted both candidates for lacking new ideas.