Black Turnout Key in Virginia for: The Wall Street Journal

So much has already been said about the 2012 election. We've seen the dissection of every facet of each candidates strengths, weaknesses and character in general. Some have even gone so far as to ask for birth certificates, college records, several years of tax returns and even DNA hair samples, well, maybe not all of those things, but you get the idea.

Here in Virginia, we've been inundated with fliers, political canvassers, mailings, signs, commercials and more. That said, I'll try to keep it short and simple.

The following images were made on assignment for the WSJ. I started my coverage in Virginia Beach, where voters, myself included, waited in line for up to four hours. From my hometown, after casting my ballot, I headed to the historically African American communities in the heart of Richmond.

After hopping from polling precinct to precinct WSJ writer Josh Mitchell and I ended up camping out with Obama supporters at the Die Teufel Club. The club is about to celebrate it's 75th anniversary and is located in the Jackson Ward district - an area that once boasted the nickname "Harlem of the South."

Our agenda was to report on the imporatnce of the African American communities and their key role in winning the swing state of Virginia.

President Barack Obama: for The Associated Press

It's that time again! What time?!

Time for our President and his political opponent to run their campaigning laps throughout our beloved nation. Today, President Obama landed in Norfolk, VA and was off to speak at my alma mater Green Run High School in Virginia Beach.

I was posted up for the day to cover the arrival and departure of Air Force One and its entourage. Although I had fun, and I am thankful for the work, I think it would have been great to photograph President Obama at my old stomping grounds. I always have a certain sense of pride when I get to work at GRHS. The last time I shot there was for Education Week and I had a great time. I blogged about that experience here. 

Either way, I'm grateful to be spending the day out of the office and in the fresh air making photographs. Thanks to the AP's Steve Helber for bringing me on for this go around.

 The follow images are a few selects from my time on the tarmac at Norfolk International.