Most predictions pinpoint George W. Bush as the expected victor in today's statewide Republican primary - a race widely seen as a watershed for both candidates.
Although Sen. John McCain's campaign is doing better nationwide than many expected, recent polls showed Bush with as much as an 11-point lead in Virginia.
"The McCain phenomena is quite remarkable but the rules of the game are going to favor Bush," said Scott Keeter, political science professor at George Mason University.
"We are looking forward to a good win right here in the Commonwealth," said Quintin Kendall, executive director for the Bush for President-Virginia campaign.
Virginia is a key state for Bush, since he will lose momentum without a strong showing and depends on victory to raise more campaign funds, Keeter said.
"Bush is expected to win by most of the GOP staff ... the only chance McCain has is if tens of thousands additional Democrats and Independents show up" to the open primary, said Larry J. Sabato, government and foreign affairs professor.
An open primary allows not only Republicans but also Democrats and Independents to vote.
McCain gave a speech yesterday in Virginia Beach in which he criticized conservative activists Pat Robertson's and Jerry Falwell's lack of support for him.
"He was trying to give Democrats and Independents a reason to vote for him and that is a message to Robertson and Falwell," Sabato said.
McCain Campaign Spokesman Dan McLagan said if McCain comes within 10 points of Bush, it will be a "moral win"
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