Palin returns to Virginia

By Matt Rosenberg

Published: October 27, 2008

LEESBURG, Va. (AP) _ While in Virginia today, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin hopes to upend Democrat Barack Obama’s advantage in pre-election polls in a state that hasn’t backed a Democratic White House hopeful since 1964.

From her first event in historic Leesburg through Fredericksburg and Salem, Palin plans to make GOP nominee John McCain’s argument that electing Obama would give Democrats control of the White House and Congress when checks and balances are most needed.

It’s a tough sell for Republicans eight days before the November 4th election. Recent polls show Obama ahead in Virginia and Democrats are on track to add to their congressional majorities.

Distractions—from Palin’s high-priced wardrobe to the increasing difficulty Republicans face in trying to overcome Obama’s lead in polls and money—dog McCain and Palin through their tour of battleground states in the last week of the campaign.

Palin tried to dismissed criticism about her expensive outfits by saying that she and her family live frugally. She even wore jeans to an event last night in Asheville, North Carolina.

Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin is meeting with the Israeli ambassador to the U.S. as part of a three-city tour in Virginia.

Monday’s meeting preceded a rally Palin is holding in Leesburg. Palin greeted ambassador Sallai Meridor and apologized for not being able to meet with him sooner. She told the ambassador: “We look forward to ... working with your Jewish agency.“

Palin’s visit to Virginia is designed to upend Democrat Barack Obama’s advantage in pre-election polls in a state that hasn’t backed a Democratic White House hopeful since 1964. Besides visiting Leesburg, Palin will travel to Fredericksburg and Salem.