Democrat Terry Mcauliffe rode a financial advantage and changing demographics to a slender victory in the Virginia governor's race on Nov. 5, defeating the conservative attorney general, Ken Cuccinelli, in a battle of flawed candidates.
McAuliffe's triumph defied an old trend and cemented a new one. It is the first time since 1973 that the same party will control the White House and the Virginia executive mansion. McAuliffe, a former Democratic National Committee chairman and a close ally of Bill and Hillary Clinton, was able to resurrect the coalition of women, African Americans and young voters that twice delivered the commonwealth...