John McCain's running mate certainly generated a tremendous amount of buzz following last week's Republican National Convention. According to a Washington Post/ABC News poll, McCain is seeing a big gain in support, especially among white women.

So, how is this weighing on female voters in the Valley as election day nears?

The choice of Palin was unexpected, but recent polling indicates women are shifting in big numbers to support McCain. At a local event for women in business Wednesday, many were discussing the importance of relating to Palin and her family.

"I thought it was a smart move on their part," says Ivette Churney, an undecided voter. "I think McCain was trying to be a little bit more family-oriented, as he calls himself a maverick. So, maybe this was a good choice for that."

Both candidates stumped in Virginia Wednesday.

Democratic candidate Barack Obama was at an educational event in Norfolk saying he'd heard enough about the comment he made about lipstick on a pig.

"I'm talking about John McCain's economic policy. I say it's more of the same," says Obama. "You put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig. And they say suddenly, 'Oh, you must be talking about the Governor of Alaska.'"

McCain and Palin campaigned before an enthusiastic crowd in Fairfax Wednesday afternoon.

"In politics, there are some candidates who use change to promote their careers," says Palin. "And then there are others, like John McCain, who use their careers to promote change."

The candidates' biographies and personal lives are significant in any race. Recently, Palin said her daughter, Bristol, is pregnant and plans to marry the baby's father.

"I think that she has handled that very well, that they are a typical family, and they're able to handle their situations in a very positive way," says Deby Fillman, an undecided voter.

Many of the women at Wednesday's event are still undecided, but the ability for some to relate to Palin makes them more enthusiastic about the election.

"I feel like I identify with her because I'm also a mother. I have three sons," says Tammie Rinaldo. "I was the mom who went to the soccer matches and all that stuff just like she did."

In 2004, the majority of female voters chose Democratic candidate John Kerry. However, President Bush was able to keep the race close in that demographic, only losing by three points.

Despite a surge in support from some women voters, recent polls still show the presidential race to be a statistical tie.