Watch parties organized for VP debate

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) - Thursday night, vice presidential candidates Joe Biden and Paul Ryan will go head to head in the only vice presidential debate.  It's a crucial time for both sides as polls show a close race, especially in Virginia.

NBC, The Wall Street Journal and Marist released a poll on the swing states Thursday morning. The results show Governor Romney and President Obama are in a virtual tie in Virginia. The governor is edging the president 48 percent to 47 percent, which is a three point reversal from last week.

Thursday's vice presidential debate is expected to set the tone for Tuesday's presidential debate in New York.  The "clear winner" of the vice presidential debate could either make up for what President Obama may have lost last week or strengthen Governor Romney's image.

Governor Romney's campaign organizers will hold 30 debate watch parties across Virginia. Virginia spokesman, Curt Cashour, said there are five watch parties in Hampton Roads:

• Kelly's Tavern - 136 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake
• Eastern Shore Victory Office - 15516 Lankford Hwy., Eastville
• Newport News Victory Office - 12715 Warwick Blvd., Newport News
• Norfolk Victory Office - 193 W. Ocean View Ave., Norfolk
• Virginia Beach Victory Office - 911 First Colonial Rd., Virginia Beach

President Obama has several watch parties listed on his website:

• Chesapeake Campaign Headquarters - 927 N. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake
• Suffolk Campaign Office - 1114 N. Main St., Suite 102, Suffolk
• Crown Plaza Hotel/Hampton - 700 Settlers Landing, Hampton
• Williamsburg campaign office - 201 Penniman Rd., Suite A.

Anyone with information on watch parties in the area is encouraged to comment on the WAVY News' Facebook page .

The debate starts at 9 p.m. and will air on WAVY TV 10. You can also find it streaming live on WAVY.com.