Fungunner
01-04-2009, 06:29
The Hill
McAuliffe announces bid for VA governor
By J. Taylor Rushing
Posted: 01/03/09 05:47 PM [ET]
Terry McAuliffe on Saturday announced his candidacy for the Virginia governorship, attempting to position himself as the natural successor to Democrats Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.
In an e-mail video distributed to supporters, the former Democratic National Committee chairman said he has lived in the commonwealth for almost 20 years and that his campaign would focus on the economy, energy and the records of Warner and Kaine. McAuliffe is a resident of McLean and said he would make a formal announcement on Wednesday.
“Over the coming months, we will travel to every corner of the commonwealth to ask all Virginians to join our campaign to get the economy moving again,” McAuliffe said. “As governor, I’ll make it my job to protect your job, grow this economy, make Virginia a leader in renewable energy, focus on long-term transportation solutions and give our children the best education so they have a chance to pursue the American dream right here in Virginia.”
McAuliffe’s announcement was expected after he formed an exploratory committee on Nov. 10. He enters the race with significant fundraising potential. His chairmanship of the DNC from 2001 to 2005 spanned a period in which the organization raised nearly $600 million, erased its debt and positioned itself for wins in the 2006 congressional elections and the 2008 presidential contest under current chairman Howard Dean.
McAuliffe has at least two primary opponents, State Sen. Robert Creigh Deeds, who ran for attorney general in 2005, and Brian Moran, who succeeded Deeds as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus in Richmond.
The only announced GOP candidate is current Attorney General Bob McDonnell, whom McAuliffe called “a good man” in his announcement video. McAuliffe did not mention Deeds or Moran.
McAuliffe announces bid for VA governor
By J. Taylor Rushing
Posted: 01/03/09 05:47 PM [ET]
Terry McAuliffe on Saturday announced his candidacy for the Virginia governorship, attempting to position himself as the natural successor to Democrats Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.
In an e-mail video distributed to supporters, the former Democratic National Committee chairman said he has lived in the commonwealth for almost 20 years and that his campaign would focus on the economy, energy and the records of Warner and Kaine. McAuliffe is a resident of McLean and said he would make a formal announcement on Wednesday.
“Over the coming months, we will travel to every corner of the commonwealth to ask all Virginians to join our campaign to get the economy moving again,” McAuliffe said. “As governor, I’ll make it my job to protect your job, grow this economy, make Virginia a leader in renewable energy, focus on long-term transportation solutions and give our children the best education so they have a chance to pursue the American dream right here in Virginia.”
McAuliffe’s announcement was expected after he formed an exploratory committee on Nov. 10. He enters the race with significant fundraising potential. His chairmanship of the DNC from 2001 to 2005 spanned a period in which the organization raised nearly $600 million, erased its debt and positioned itself for wins in the 2006 congressional elections and the 2008 presidential contest under current chairman Howard Dean.
McAuliffe has at least two primary opponents, State Sen. Robert Creigh Deeds, who ran for attorney general in 2005, and Brian Moran, who succeeded Deeds as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus in Richmond.
The only announced GOP candidate is current Attorney General Bob McDonnell, whom McAuliffe called “a good man” in his announcement video. McAuliffe did not mention Deeds or Moran.