Mark Obenshain

This year, after switching its nominating process from a primary election to a convention system, the Virginia Republican Party selected three candidates for statewide office who are far out of the mainstream.

Given its off year elections, Virginia is attracting a good deal of attention among political observers. LGBT Virginians, women and minorities likewise ought to be paying close attention. Why? Because the Republican statewide ticket — which was nominated at a convention dominated by far right religious extremists and Tea Party fanatics (who usually also identify as “conservative Christians”) — is the most extreme in Virginia’s history.

RICHMOND — Equality Virginia PAC, the advocacy arm Equality Virgina, on Friday endorsed the Democratic ticket for Virginia’s three top elective offices, while at the same time acknowledging that a lack of public comment on LGBT issues from the candidates was problematic.

RICHMOND, Va. — The Democratic party’s candidates for Virginia’s top elected offices had little to offer on Wednesday on the issue of LGBT rights, despite facing a trio of vehemently anti-gay Republican opponents.