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Sandy could have heavy effect on Virginia politics

Posted at 6:27 PM, Oct 31, 2012
and last updated 2012-10-31 18:27:32-04

RICHMOND, VA (WTVR) -- The Commonwealth of Virginia may have been sparred the worst of Hurricane's Sandy's impact, but questions remain over the affect it has had on the state's political scene.

"It interrupted the early in person absentee voting period," Don Palmer, Secretary of the Virginia's Board of Elections, told CBS 6. 

Palmer said at least thirty voting centers and election offices were closed at one time as a result of the storm.

Campaign events also were affected. President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney cancelled a combined total of four events in the state, Governor McDonnell cancelled seven, and President Bill Clinton cancelled one.

"Most candidates would prefer to be in a situation where all hands could be on deck," Dr. Bob Holsworth, CBS 6's Political Analyst, said.

Holsworth says the superstorm particularly affected the Romney campaign because two of the campaigns top surrogates, Chris Christie and Bob McDonnell, were occupied. 

"Because of what's happened with Sandy the tone is likely to change," Holsworth said.