International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Endorses Terry McAuliffe for Governor

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO, today offered its endorsement of Terry McAuliffe for governor, citing Terry's energetic, fresh, approach to create and protect jobs.

The Boilermakers are a diverse union representing over 2,500 workers throughout the Commonwealth. Boilermakers contribute to the security and comfort of all Virginians through their work in Power Generation, Refinery and Paper Industry Construction, Maintenance & Repair, Storage Tanks & Water Towers, Shipbuilding & Repair, and Cement, Lime & Gypsum Production.

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VA GUBE: Boilermakers For McAuliffe

March 31, 2009
The National Journal’s Hotline On Call

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO, today endorsed Democrat Terry McAuliffe for governor of Virginia, "citing Terry's energetic, fresh, approach to create and protect jobs."

The Boilermakers represent more than 2,500 workers throughout the Commonwealth. Boilermakers International President Newton B. Jones lauded McAuliffe, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, for fighting for working families:

"Terry stands with those who are the heart and soul of this great Commonwealth - those who clock in early and often work late, those who build and maintain our energy infrastructure and repair our Naval vessels, those who make Virginia great through their simple daily contribution to our economy and our way of life, among them, Boilermaker members.

"Terry has spent years fighting for working families. Like millions of other Americans, Boilermakers are nervous about the economy and about their future, and their children's future. There is uncertainty and concern, but also hope. We believe our best days are ahead of us and Terry is the best answer to Virginia's need for a leader who can take on some very tough challenges and build a stronger economy."

This is McAuliffe's second organizational endorsement of the week. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) announced its support for McAuliffe, who is vying with state Sen. Creigh Deeds and former Del. Brian Moran, for the party's nomination.

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Another Union Backs McAuliffe

March 31, 2009
The Washington Post
Anita Kumar

Terry McAuliffe, who has spent decades in Washington working with national Democratic leaders and forging close ties to unions, received another in a series of labor endorsements today in his race for governor.

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO, was the latest to announce its support of McAuliffe, citing his approach to create and protect jobs.

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Union Endorses McAuliffe

March 30, 2009
The Washington Post
Anita Kumar

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe was endorsed this morning by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the largest union in the AFL-CIO.
AFSCME, which has more than 10,000 members in Virginia, cited McAuliffe's leadership, business experience and vision, calling him the candidate best equipped to get the state's economy back on track.

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VA GUBE: AFSCME Endorses McAuliffe

March 30, 2009
The National Journal’s Hotline On Call
Jennifer Skala

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest union in the AFL-CIO, endorsed Terry McAuliffe today for Virginia governor. In a release, AFSCME, which has more than 10,000 union and household members in Virginia, cited McAuliffe's "leadership, business experience and bold vision for Virginia." The group added that McAuliffe, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, "has been a longtime supporter of AFSCME's and working family issues."

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American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Endorses McAuliffe for Governor

Today, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest union in the AFL-CIO, endorsed Terry McAuliffe for Governor of Virginia. AFSCME, which has more than 10,000 union and household members in Virginia, cited McAuliffe's leadership, business experience and bold vision for Virginia, calling him the candidate best equipped to get Virginia's economy back on track. McAuliffe has been a longtime supporter of AFSCME's and working family issues.

"In these tough economic times, it is more critical than ever that we work to grow the economy," said AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee. "AFSCME members are on the front-line delivering Virginia's public services, and we can see all too clearly that Virginians' needs are greater than ever. Terry McAuliffe understands those needs. He will work to address rising unemployment head-on by creating new jobs and new opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. Not only do we support his vision of a stronger Virginia, we will be proud to work with him to make it happen."

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Big Weekend

This weekend was huge! We made a trip to the Young Democrats convention, opened two field offices and brought hundreds of new volunteers in the process. Boy was it exciting seeing and talking to all those people as we begin to build a historic grassroots movement. I really enjoyed seeing such strong numbers of student Democrats at UVA Saturday. These are the young people who will really rally hard for our party. They are talented and hard working. And it’s a reminder that we’ve got to make sure we don’t lose Virginia’s best and brightest to other states.

I was also really feeling the energy in Charlottesville. Our local field office had standing room only for the grand opening and the crowd was pumped up and ready to work. The same was true in Richmond, where volunteers threw a huge party with live music and a Terry 2009 cake-- baked and donated by Just Cakes of Richmond. It was a great weekend and we’re just getting started! We’ve got 10 offices open across the Commonwealth. Our grassroots base is growing, and we want you with us. We’re pushing full steam ahead to June 9th!

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Weekly Blog Roundup 3/27/09

This week there was a heavy round of debate and discussion about the gubernatorial race among local bloggers. Several came out in support of Terry after he released the next chapter of his Business Plan for Virginia. Other blogs reported on positive editorials, interviews about Terry with local strategists, and Terry filing more than 17,000 signatures to run for governor.

Dave “Mudcat” Saunders was interviewed on the subject of the Virginia gubernatorial race by Lowell at Blue Virginia. Saunders talked about all three Democratic candidates, and had several comments on the importance of Terry’s positive campaign at this time in the primary.

"I’m not sure I’ve ever met anybody more positive thinking than Terry McAuliffe. That’s not just a positive attitude but a positive lifestyle as well." "Right now, the whole country – not just Virginia – needs a positive attitude." "This primary’s not about tearing down the party, it’s about lifting up the party."

Terry gained a new young supporter this week, Roanoke Valley Young Democrats President Aaron Lyles. Lyles praises Terry for listening to people in all corners of the state through his travels and numerous campaign offices.

Terry McAuliffe has shown every indication that he wants to be our Governor. At roundtables, he has asked for people to come and give him ideas instead of the entire campaign being about him. For these reasons, I have decided to support Terry McAuliffe to be the 71st Governor of the Commonwealth.

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Too Far

Today, one of our Democratic opponents took their attacks against Terry too far. Virginia Democrats have worked too long and too hard to stand by and watch the divisiveness that's plagued the Republicans start poisoning our Party just when we've had great success.

Everyone knows that Terry McAuliffe supported Hillary Clinton in the primaries. But the day after she got out of the race, he hit the road fighting for Barack Obama. Terry spent the last 30 years of his life volunteering to advance Democratic causes; he even built from scratch the voter file that that helped Barack Obama win in Virginia. And to insinuate that he is a traitor to our Party is beyond nonsense -- it is a Karl Rove-style attack.

I've always said that this primary was going to get rough, but in all the years I've worked in Virginia politics, I've never seen another Democrat use the kind of smear tactics that are being used against Terry for taking a bipartisan approach to politics - just like Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Jim Webb and Barack Obama.

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McAuliffe Unveils Plan to Increase Accountability and Transparency

Gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe today unveiled his plan to strengthen transparency and accountability in state government and the private sector. McAuliffe proposed a ban on all lobbyist gifts to lawmakers and the executive branch, strengthening transparency by making our state budget more accessible and easy to understand, as well as fostering corporate accountability by strengthening ethics programs.

"As we work to grow our economy and create jobs across the Commonwealth, we must lead by example and demonstrate to taxpayers that their money is being spent fairly and wisely," McAuliffe said. "That's why I've pledged not to take any corporate contributions from companies or their corporate PACs receiving taxpayer-funded TARP money and to donate my salary as governor."

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First to File

Yesterday in Richmond, Terry was the first candidate to submit petitions to run for governor. Arriving before any other candidate at noon, the earliest time to submit petitions, Terry once again showed the grassroots organization and powerful support behind his campaign.

After months of building the largest grassroots campaign in Virginia gubernatorial history, Terry submitted 17,243 signatures, well over the 10,000 needed to qualify. Terry's field organizers recruited volunteers to gather signatures and lay the groundwork for a successful field operation. With a little more than two months to go before primary election day, we look forward to continuing a strong Democratic campaign with help from volunteers and supporters like you.

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Deeds-McAuliffe-Moran Agree to 5 Debates, 3 Joint Appearances Across Virginia

Today, Democratic gubernatorial candidates Creigh Deeds, Terry McAuliffe, and Brian Moran announced that, pending format negotiations, they have accepted and would participate in 5 debates across the Commonwealth, as well as 3 joint appearances. Deeds campaign manager Joe Abbey, McAuliffe campaign manager Mike Henry, and Moran general consultant Steve Jarding released the following joint statement on the announcement of the debates:

"We are pleased to announce this debate and joint appearance schedule in the run-up to the June 9th primary to pick our next Democratic Governor of Virginia. Our campaigns worked together to schedule as many joint appearances and debates as possible all across the Commonwealth. Our candidates – Creigh Deeds, Terry McAuliffe, and Brian Moran – look forward to having several spirited debates on the important issues facing Virginians."

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Great Expectations

March 25th, 2009
Editorial
Richmond Times-Dispatch

Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe is not only raising the volume of the gubernatorial contest. He is also raising the bar.

McAuliffe is rolling out a series of position papers on energy and business that go well beyond the typical two-page brochure full of bromides. This is not to say they eschew bromides; they include plenty. But they include more than mere bromides. In this day and age, that's commendable.

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McAuliffe Highlights Plans to Help Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses Thrive

Today, meeting with African-American business owners in Newport News, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe discussed the second chapter of his Business Plan for Virginia, which focuses on growing the economy. McAuliffe highlighted the Plan's provisions to give existing and new small, women, and minority owned businesses the tools they need to succeed, including increasing the number of state contracts to women- and minority-owned businesses, expanding entrepreneurship programs, and creating an ombudsman to monitor complaints from women and minority-owned business.

"To help Virginia's small, women, and minority-owned businesses succeed, it's important that our state government lead by example," McAuliffe said. "Governors Kaine and Warner have made great progress in granting state contracts to small, women, and minority-owned businesses. I pledge to continue this progress and ensure that we are working effectively with these businesses."

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McAuliffe reveals plan to revive jobs

March 24th, 2009
Garren Shipley
The Northern Virginia Daily

With Virginia's economy shedding jobs and unemployment rising, the campaigns of the three Democratic gubernatorial candidates are finding a common, familiar refrain.

As Bill Clinton's lead political strategist, James Carville, famously said during the 1992 presidential race, "It's the economy, stupid."

Unemployment in the Old Dominion rose to 6.4 percent in January after seeing rates as low as 3 percent in 2006, according to the Virginia Employment Commission. Manufacturing wages and hours worked also fell.

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McAuliffe emphasizes revitalization

March 24th, 2009
John Crane
The Danville Register & Bee

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe unveiled the second chapter of his statewide business plan Monday at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research.

He emphasized the need for tax incentives for industries to deliver high-paying jobs to economically depressed Southside Virginia, as well as strengthening existing small businesses.

“I will not be satisfied until every part of Virginia sees economic growth,” McAuliffe said.

The first chapter of his plan was revealed about two weeks ago and focused on renewable energy. The second part stresses revitalizing the economy and creating good jobs in Virginia.

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McAuliffe would use tax incentives to attract new jobs

March 24th, 2009
Michael Sluss
The Roanoke Times

New tax breaks and more generous incentives can help Virginia create and keep jobs and boost economies in struggling areas of the state, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe said Monday.

McAuliffe said that Virginia should offer new and more generous incentives to compete with other states for major employers, particularly in emerging industries such as renewable energy. He announced his proposals during a visit to Danville, part of a region struggling with high unemployment rates.

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McAuliffe would use tax incentives to attract new jobs

March 24th, 2009
Michael Sluss
The Roanoke Times

New tax breaks and more generous incentives can help Virginia create and keep jobs and boost economies in struggling areas of the state, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe said Monday.

McAuliffe said that Virginia should offer new and more generous incentives to compete with other states for major employers, particularly in emerging industries such as renewable energy. He announced his proposals during a visit to Danville, part of a region struggling with high unemployment rates.

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McAuliffe talks jobs in Southside Va. swing

March 24th, 2009
Jeff Schapiro
Richmond Times-Dispatch

Terry McAuliffe, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor, is in Southside Virginia today, talking about bringing jobs to the economically hard-hit region.

McAuliffe traveled to Danville this morning to roll out the latest component of what he calls a "Business Plan for Virginia." It includes tax incentives to lure big industry as well as assistance for small business.

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McAuliffe Files 17,243 Signatures with State Board of Elections

Today, thanking his volunteers and supporters across the Commonwealth, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe filed 17,243 signatures with the Virginia State Board of Elections.

"I'm honored by the tremendous outpouring of grassroots support I've received across Virginia," McAuliffe said. "It's critical for us to engage the grassroots and involve as many Virginians as possible in the process of electing our next Governor. I look forward to continuing a positive debate on who has the strongest ideas and best experience to get Virginia's economy back on track."

Click here to read more.

McAuliffe unveils new business plan

March 23rd, 2009
WAVY.com

Joined by community members in Danville, gubernatorial Terry McAuliffe today unveiled the second chapter of his Business Plan for Virginia, which is focused on growing Virginia's economy. Discussing his decades of experience building and turning around businesses, McAuliffe pledged that creating jobs would be his top priority in the Governor's office.

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Highlighting Need for Job Creation, Terry McAuliffe Unveils Chapter Two of Business Plan for Virginia

Joined by community members in Danville, gubernatorial Terry McAuliffe today unveiled the second chapter of his Business Plan for Virginia, which is focused on growing Virginia's economy. Discussing his decades of experience building and turning around businesses, McAuliffe pledged that creating jobs would be his top priority in the Governor's office.

"As I've been saying wherever I go across Virginia, there's no such thing as a Republican job or a Democratic job – we simply need to bring people together to create good jobs, and that's what I've been doing my whole life," McAuliffe said. "My Business Plan for Virginia is really a jobs plan – my number one priority as Governor will be to create, attract, and keep good jobs with good wages and benefits for every Virginia family."

Read more.

Weekly Blog Roundup 3/23/09

Welcome to another installment of our weekly blog roundup, where we report on campaign-related news in the blogosphere. This week, bloggers discussed the need for positive campaigns like Terry's, a conference call with supporters, the Connolly straw poll, contribution pledges and an endorsement of Terry on education policies.

Alan Krishnan wrote a diary at Daily Kos about the positive campaign that McAuliffe has pledged to run. He talks about admiring Terry’s conduct on the campaign trail and setting the standards for clean campaigns.

…He is a very ordinary person of humble beginnings, who has achieved great heights - the true, living American Dream that hard work, integrity and a positive attitude can take one places. Since then, I have been watching McAuliffe as he developed his campaign for Virginia Governor and how he conducts himself. Until today, he has not criticized his opponents. This clean approach to politics appeals to me and I know there are many in the United States who follow this path.

Read more.

Chapter Two of My Business Plan for Virginia: Jobs

I've spent a lot of time traveling the Commonwealth, listening to Virginians tell me what's on their minds. And one thing I’ve noticed is that the people who are dealing with challenges day to day often have the best ideas about how to overcome them. Too often we see the same old policies come from the top-down. But not all good ideas come out of Richmond. They come from all corners of the Commonwealth.

That’s why I’ve spent the past several weeks asking you – online, and at economic roundtables all over Virginia – what would you do if you were governor?

Today. I’m unveiling the first chapter of my Business Plan to get Virginia’s economy moving, and I’ve incorporated a lot of great ideas that I heard from you.

Read more.

McAuliffe Highlights Support for Energy Efficiency Initiatives

Today, meeting with the owner of residential solar energy company Continuum Energy Solutions, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe discussed the need for Virginia to invest in energy efficiency. McAuliffe said he would work for a statewide policy requiring utilities to invest first in cost-effective energy efficiency before pursuing any new power plants.

"In our pursuit to make Virginia the number one green state in the country, we must remember that energy efficiency is the cheapest and easiest way for us to increase our energy independence and build our renewable energy sector," McAuliffe said. "Whether it's harnessing the wind off Virginia's coast or installing solar panels on homes and state buildings, we must encourage businesses and families to adopt clean and efficient energy sources."

Click here to read more.

McAuliffe's Campaign Junk-et

March 20, 2009
Washington Post
Dana Milbank

There is really no cleaning up the fact that Terry McAuliffe practices trash politics.

Campaign with him for a few hours and you feel as if you need to take a shower. In fact, the dirty little secret can now be told: McAuliffe, venture capitalist and Clinton moneyman, is the junkyard dog of the Virginia gubernatorial race.

"I love trash," he said yesterday. "I love chicken litter, cow manure, garbage. . . . This is the kind of thing that gets me excited."

And if his opponents were to accuse him of dirty tricks?

"They would probably be right," he admitted with a grin.

McAuliffe said these words -- shouted them, actually -- while standing on a steel grate overlooking a huge trash pit yesterday in Lorton. Claws dangling from cranes grabbed mounds of refuse. Dust flew everywhere. The pit was dark. The smell was bad.

Read more.

Terry Tours Energy-Producing Trash Facility

Yesterday, the Washington Post's Dana Millbank reported on Terry's visit to Covanta Energy's facility in Lorton.

Check out the video by clicking here.

Terry McAuliffe's Boundless BTUs

March 19th, 2009

Hotline Jennifer Skalka

There's something strangely familiar about watching former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe look longingly into the bowels of a massive waste treatment facility packed with thousands of tons of trash.

The admiration in his eyes for the large steel jaws that tossed around the items like winnable amusement park stuffed animals residing in the bottom of a small glass box. The sheer excitement as he gazed into the incinerator, which flamed a bright orange, burning the goods until they're ready to be shot out over the grid. As if every element of the processing facility at Covanta Energy's resource recovery complex in Lorton, Va., required his cheer.

Read more.

McAuliffe Visits I-95 Landfill, Discusses Waste-to-Energy Ideas

Standing at the Covanta Fairfax Energy Resource Recovery Complex with representatives from Covanta Energy and the Fairfax County Government, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe today discussed his ideas for remaking Virginia's landfills into energy producers. In 2006, Virginia imported 7.2 million tons of municipal solid waste, making it one of the leading importers of out-of-state waste. McAuliffe highlighted how this abundance of waste could be used to generate energy and create green jobs across the Commonwealth.

"Here in Virginia, we have enormous potential to become a national leader in renewable energy technology. But we must look to every corner of the Commonwealth to find the innovative solutions of tomorrow that will meet our energy needs of today," McAuliffe said. "That's why as governor I'll work to forge public-private sector partnerships to transform our landfills from 'dumps' to environmentally sound producers of new, inexpensive power."

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Nonsense

The executives at AIG just don't get it.

I supported this administration's plan to inject capital into the marketplace, but like the President, I believe that there needs to be accountability. We need to stabilize the economy and help struggling homeowners, not reward failed corporate management.

The executives who brought insurance giant AIG to the brink of failure are set to receive about $165 million in bonuses - and they don't mind if taxpayers are footing the bill.

As someone who helped save a bank from failure, I can't describe how disgusting this is. It's rewarding failure. And I need your help to stop this nonsense.

Read more.

The Driving Force

Because of you, we scored a big victory at Gerry Connolly's St. Patrick's Day Straw Poll this week. With the first contested Democratic gubernatorial primary fight in decades and all three candidates speaking, the stakes couldn't have been higher.

By the end of the night, the Washington Post reported that Terry "overwhelmingly won" and observed that, "McAuliffe outshined his rivals in both organization and spirit at the event." Dr. Bob Holsworth, one of Virginia's preeminent political pundits, noted that we brought new people into the process in order to win the straw poll - and that's what this campaign is all about. In addition to praising our mobilization efforts, Holsworth noted that, "McAuliffe and his campaign exult and excel in the 'theatre of politics,' more so than any Democrat since Doug Wilder."

Tuesday was a powerful testament to the strength of our grassroots support and a nice boost for our campaign. The National Journal noted that, "Connolly's event could be a key early indicator of who the faithful believe might win the day come June."

Read more.

Waste to Power, Landfills Are Bright Spot in Virginia Gubernatorial Candidate's Energy Plan

March 19th, 2009
News Channel 8

LORTON, Va. - Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe unveiled his environmental plan, at a northern Virginia landfill, to highlight the importance of renewable resources in the commonwealth.

The former DNC chair said if elected to be Virginia's next governor, he plans to transform landfills into producers of inexpensive power. He took a tour of Covanta Energy in Lorton, which produces enough electricity to power 90,000 homes. It's a model McAuliffe hopes to replicate throughout the commonwealth.

Read more.

McAuliffe Campaign On The Air With New Ad in Richmond, Hampton Roads

Emphasizing his work to promote the inclusion of every Virginia community in the electoral process, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe today released a new radio advertisement. Entitled "Leadership," the 60-second spot highlights his continued commitment to fighting for Virginians.

"I'm Terry McAuliffe and as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee I worked hard to protect voting rights and as your Governor I will work even harder for you and your family." McAuliffe says in the ads. "I'll bring big ideas and a fresh approach to Richmond, but we've got to get started right now. My business plan will create thousands of jobs. It will take wind energy off our coast to power our homes, invest in technology that can convert waste into energy, and fund Pre-K programs and increase teacher pay."

The radio ad is running on adult urban contemporary, gospel, and religious radio stations in the Norfolk and Richmond media markets. It was produced by Potomac Waves, a minority-owned and operated media consulting firm based in Washington, DC.

The ad can be heard here.

St. Paddy's Day in Fairfax: Endorsements and Straw Polls

March 18th, 2009
Virginia Tomorrow
Bob Holsworth

In the morning, it was Brian Moran.

Picking up more local endorsements, obtaining support from the majority of Democrats who sit on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax School Board. It’s a list that grows every day, including some of the most prominent names in NOVA, Hampton Roads and Richmond.

But the nighttime was the right time for Terry McAuliffe.

He easily won the straw poll at Gerry Connolly’s annual St. Paddy’s Day bash, beating Moran almost 2-1 with 58% to 30% and Deeds trailing both at 12%.

Read more.

A Grassroots Victory

Terry’s victory at Gerry Connolly’s St. Patty’s Day Straw Poll tonight is a powerful testament to the strength of the grassroots. Virginians across the Commonwealth are responding to Terry’s message of putting people back to work.

You are the strength of this campaign. Terry is building the largest grassroots campaign in the history of Virginia’s races for Governor.

Terry has been gaining grassroots momentum for months, and it’s the direct result of the tremendous organization that Terry has built. With 40 field organizers, hundreds of volunteers, and extensive use of new technologies, Terry has put together a people-powered campaign in the mold of Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Jim Webb, and Barack Obama.

Read more.

McAuliffe Wins Fairfax Straw Poll

March 17, 2009
Washington Post
Amy Gardner

Former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe overwhelmingly won an informal straw poll in Fairfax County tonight against his two Democratic rivals for governor, Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds.

At a jam-packed St. Patrick's Day party hosted by U.S. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), McAuliffe earned 58 percent of votes, Moran took 30 percent and Deeds earned 12 percent. Connolly told the crowd of about 1,400 that a total of 934 ballots were cast.

If nothing else, the vote sprinkled a healthy pinch of fish food into Virginia's political aquarium. McAuliffe outshined his rivals in both organization and spirit at the event, arranging for donors to purchase 400 tickets for his guests, staffing the party with 60 paid campaign workers and prompting the loudest cheers when he spoke to the crowd.

Read more.

Democratic Leaders Across Virginia Continue to Line Up Behind Terry McAuliffe for Governor

Today, Terry McAuliffe's Campaign for Governor released the names of additional Virginia Democratic leaders who have endorsed his candidacy. Following the announcement of McAuliffe's "Business Plan for Virginia," these leaders cited McAuliffe's decades of creating jobs and turning businesses around and emphasized that he had the best experience and boldest ideas to get Virginia's economy back on track.

"To address the economic challenges facing Virginia, Democrats in the House of Delegates will need a strong and experienced leader in the Governor's office," Democratic House Caucus Chair Ken Plum said. "Terry has the business and executive experience to carry on the Warner-Kaine tradition of leadership and create jobs in every corner of the Commonwealth. I know that he will be a strong partner with legislative Democrats in enacting the bold changes we need to fix our transportation system, improve public education, and get our economy back on track."

Read more.

Weekly Blog Roundup 3/13/09

This week in the blogosphere, Terry received some glowing endorsements from bloggers and a former US Representative. Terry posted his own thoughts on his new comprehensive, long-term plan for Virginia’s energy future. And bloggers are warming to Terry’s message about jobs and the economy and his grassroots campaign.

The three co-founders of the “Draft Jim Webb” movement announced their endorsement of Terry on the blog Blue Virginia. Josh Chernila, Lee Diamond, and Lowell Feld each provide their reasons for supporting Terry, coming to a consensus that he is the best candidate to get things done for Virginia.

I've seen a man focused relentlessly on the economy and "jobsjobsjobs," but also with an understanding that you can't have a strong economy without the high quality of life that attracts individuals and businesses to Virginia. That means ensuring that Virginia continues to be the "best managed state in the nation." It means investing in education and emerging industries like "clean tech." It means maintaining (and improving) the level of infrastructure and services in our Commonwealth. And it means bringing people together to achieve results for all of us, not just for the rich and powerful. I have confidence that Terry McAuliffe is the best person to accomplish all of those things.

Read more.

The first chapter

I'm excited to announce that Terry's unveiled the first chapter of his Business Plan to grow Virginia's economy - the most aggressive agenda that's been put forth to make our Commonwealth the number one renewable energy state in the country.

He recorded a short video and I wanted to share it with you.

Click here to watch the video.

Henry County, Martinsville are Part of McAuliffe Business Plan

March 12, 2009
Martinsville Bulletin
By Debbie Hall

Martinsville and Henry County figure prominently in the first chapter of Terry McAuliffe’s Comprehensive Business Plan for Virginia.

McAuliffe, one of three candidates hoping to snare the Democratic nomination and challenge Republican Bob McDonnell for the governor’s seat in November, said Virginia must become “a leader in renewable energy.”

Thousands of jobs would be created as renewable green projects, such as wind, solar, biodiesel and bio-mass technologies, get under way, McAuliffe said Wednesday during a conference call with reporters.

Read more.

McAuliffe reveals business plan for Va.

March 12th, 2009
The Richmond Times-Dispatch
By Tyler Whitley

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe said he would emphasize tax incentives to encourage re newable energy.

His "Business Plan for Virginia," announced yesterday at a news conference in Richmond, would establish a $100 million energy-independence revolving loan fund to retrofit homes with energy efficient equipment and take steps to reduce state government's use of fossil fuels. McAuliffe said the economic decline would force him to phase in the loan fund.

The McLean businessman said he wants to make Virginia a destination for clean-energy businesses and researchers.

Read more.

Candidate McAuliffe pitches green energy

March 12th, 2009
The Roanoke Times
By Michael Sluss

RICHMOND -- Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe vowed Wednesday to push to create jobs in renewable energy fields, calling for new incentives to launch and attract companies and a mandatory renewable energy threshold for utility companies.

"It's time for Virginia to be the number one renewable energy state in the country," McAuliffe said at a Richmond campaign stop.

McAuliffe's energy proposals make up the first phase of his "business plan" for Virginia that he will roll out in the coming weeks. His energy plan includes proposals that have been embraced by his two rivals for the Democratic nomination, former state Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria and state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County.

Read more.

A Comprehensive, Long-Term Plan for Virginia's Energy Future

I've spent a lot of time traveling the Commonwealth, listening to Virginians tell me what's on their minds. And one thing I’ve noticed is that the people who are dealing with challenges day to day often have the best ideas about how to overcome them. Too often we see the same old policies come from the top-down. But not all good ideas come out of Richmond. They come from all corners of the Commonwealth.

That’s why I’ve spent the past several weeks asking you – online, and at economic roundtables all over Virginia – what would you do if you were governor?

Today. I’m unveiling the first chapter of my Business Plan to get Virginia’s economy moving, and I’ve incorporated a lot of great ideas that I heard from you.

Read more.

Gov. Candidate McAuliffe Shares Vision for Virginia

March 11th, 2009
The Falls Church News-Press
By Nicholas F. Benton

Why does a man running for governor of Virginia want to talk about the Panama Canal? Terry McAuliffe does.

McAuliffe, who brings quasi-rock star status to the heated three-way race for the Democratic nomination to run for governor this year, likes the big picture, likes to look over the top of the backyard fence and to see what's coming, and to focus his considerable energies on making plans. He's running against Former Del. Brian Moran and State Sen. Creigh Deeds in the June Democratic primary.

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McAuliffe Unveils Business Plan for Virginia, Highlights Need for Comprehensive Energy Plan to Turn Economy Around

After holding eight economic roundtables with business and community leaders across Virginia, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe today unveiled the first portion of his "Business Plan for Virginia", which outlines his comprehensive and long-term plan for Virginia's energy future. The plan includes ideas gathered from people around the Commonwealth, which McAuliffe heard during the roundtables and from people writing in to his website. McAuliffe's plan will build a green economy in Virginia by making the commonwealth a destination for clean energy businesses and researchers, investing in efficiency and in clean, renewable sources of energy, and committing resources to training Virginia's workforce for the clean tech economy.

"My plan will make Virginia a national leader in renewable energy and create thousands of green jobs," McAuliffe said. "I'm taking the same approach to figuring out how to get our economy going again that I've taken with businesses I've started or turned around - I'm starting with a business plan for Virginia. Today, I'm unveiling the first chapter of my plan, which focuses on thinking differently about energy because one of the biggest challenges we face is how to meet a growing demand for energy in a way that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. And that means that some of the most promising areas for growing our economy are in the renewable energy field."

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Weekly Blog Roundup 3/9/09

Welcome to the second installment of the McAuliffe for Governor weekly blog roundup. This past week, bloggers talked about the fight against offshore oil drilling in Virginia, a blogger dinner held at our campaign headquarters, and Terry’s interesting encounters along the campaign trail.

Last week, Terry hosted a handful of local and national bloggers at our campaign headquarters to talk about running a grassroots campaign. Chris Guy at Fred2Blue took away some positive observations from the meeting.

One person in attendance pointed out that a lot of candidates for office make a big deal about courting the netroots during the campaign, but once they get elected your emails don’t get returned the way they used to. Terry promised that, if elected Governor, he’ll try and make these get-togethers a regular occurrence. Considering how much he likes talking to people, I tend to believe him… so far McAuliffe has the best campaign, hands down.

At Article XI, Lowell posted a video from the blogger meeting, which features Terry talking about energy and the environment.

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Rush Limbaugh

At a time when we desperately need to come together as a nation, Rush Limbaugh's gone out of his way to sabotage our President - announcing publicly that he wants Barack Obama to fail.

This kind of rhetoric does nothing but pollute our political process. That's why after Rush reiterated his remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference this weekend, I called on Bob McDonnell to condemn them. But so far, Bob's refused to say anything that might offend the GOP's ringleader.

Now we need your help to apply some public pressure in order to make it happen.

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McAuliffe Wraps Up Economic Roundtables, Prepares to Unveil Business Plan for Virginia

After weeks of listening to Virginians' ideas on how to get our economy back on track, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe yesterday held his final roundtable in Roanoke. The event was the final in a series of eight roundtables held across the Commonwealth on topics ranging from job creation and support for small businesses to education and workforce training. Ideas for converting agricultural waste to energy, improving infrastructure, and encouraging university research were also discussed throughout the course of the roundtable series.

"When I started this campaign, I said that the best ideas don't always come from Richmond," said McAuliffe. "These roundtables have shown that Virginians are full of good ideas and I plan on bringing these good ideas with me to the governor's office. Together, we're going to get our economy back on track."

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Terry McAuliffe meets with Valley and City business and civic reps at Roanoke’s Higher Ed Center this morning

March 4th, 2009
Star City Harbinger
by Hank Bostwick

Primary candidate for the Democratic governor’s nomination Terry McAuliffe is visiting with members of the local business, labor and nonprofit communities this morning at Roanoke’s Higher Education Center.

McAuliffe seemed in his element discussing his plans for Virginia’s economic future and reminding onlookers and roundtable participants that he led the National Democratic Party out of debt after the Clinton years in Washington.

Concerned about the possibiility that the Commonwealth will lose precious green jobs and technological development to West Virginia, Terry “I love chicken waste” McAuliffe promised to make his point about the importance of clean and renewable energy if he “has to park that [chicken waste] machine” on the steps of the General Assembly.

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McAuliffe, area business leaders meet

March 5th, 2009
Roanoke Times
Mason Adams

Nearly a dozen of the Roanoke Valley's business leaders met with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe on Wednesday to pitch ideas to fix the state's economy.

"We've got to think outside the box," McAuliffe said as he repeated one of his campaign's main themes. "We need some big ideas."

The meeting was his eighth state "roundtable" to collect ideas that will eventually become his economic platform, to be unveiled in the next two weeks. He's previously met with regional representatives in Norfolk, Martinsville, Harrisonburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Lebanon and Hampton.

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McAuliffe Makes Campaign Stop in Lebanon

March 4th, 2009
Bristol Herald Courier
Debra McCown

LEBANON, Va. – To bring more jobs here, Virginia needs to be more competitive with other states to attract industry, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe told Russell County leaders during a visit Tuesday.

“Those should’ve been our jobs,” McAuliffe said of recently announced energy projects that will be located in Mississippi and Tennessee. “We need to be aggressive about bringing business in.”

A Democrat and Northern Virginia businessman, McAuliffe said, in what he called an economic roundtable, that he’s not satisfied with the prospect of budget cuts or tax increases. His solution to the state’s recent economic troubles is simple, he said: Grow the economy.

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Va. Needs New Ag Technology

Va. Needs New Ag Technology
By Terry McAuliffe, Harrisonburg Daily News Record
March 4, 2009

LIKE MOST FARMERS here in the Valley, Buff Showalter pays close attention to fertilizer prices and heating bills, the extra costs that can make or break a harvest. He uses his own chicken litter as a primary fertilizer. But last year Buff had to spend about $5,000 on commercial fertilizer for his corn and hay crops. He also spent $12,000 on gasoline to heat his broiler house.

That's part of the reason why he and his business partner, Oren Heatwole, a former farmer himself, jumped at the opportunity to test a new machine that converts chicken litter into two things that Buff could really use: a high-quality fertilizer and a high-energy fuel.

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McAuliffe asks Republican to condemn Limbaugh remarks

March 3rd, 2009
CNN Political Ticker

WASHINGTON (CNN) – As national Democrats eagerly point to Rush Limbaugh’s influence among Republicans, one Virginia Democrat is looking to make the radio host a flash point in this year’s governor’s race.

Terry McAuliffe, the former Democratic National Committee chairman now seeking his party's nomination for governor, sent a letter Tuesday to the de facto Republican nominee, former state Attorney General Bob McDonnell, asking him to reject Limbaugh’s recent statement that he wants President Obama to fail.

“I know that you and I disagree on many issues, but I'm hoping that we can agree on this: hoping for failure isn't the right way to get our economy back on track,” McAuliffe wrote in the letter. “That's why I'm asking you to join me in condemning the remarks Rush Limbaugh made wishing for the President to fail.”

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Terry McAuliffe Releases Letter Calling on Bob McDonnell to Condemn Rush Limbaugh's Remarks

Today, Terry McAuliffe sent the following letter to Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, calling on him to condemn Rush Limbaugh's remarks regarding the Obama administration:

Dear Bob,

I know that you and I disagree on many issues, but I'm hoping that we can agree on this: hoping for failure isn't the right way to get our economy back on track.

That's why I'm asking you to join me in condemning the remarks Rush Limbaugh made wishing for the President to fail.

I'm sure that you are hearing the same things from Virginians that I am - they are nervous about their future; they're struggling to hold onto their homes and their jobs; they want us to stay focused on getting results for them.

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Statement from Terry McAuliffe Regarding the End of the Legislative Session

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released the following statement regarding the end of the legislative session. McAuliffe cited the passage of several renewable energy bills, including legislation that would encourage energy efficiency, create economic incentives for biofuels, and promote the production of electric energy from waste [SB 1248; SB1186; HB2001; HB2576].

"This session, I was heartened to see Republicans and Democrats work together to pass several measures that will help Virginia move ahead on developing our renewable energy sector. Providing economic incentives for biofuels, encouraging increased energy efficiency, and promoting the conversion of solid waste to electricity will help develop this critical industry. While I believe that we need a mandatory renewable energy standard, these bills were a step in the right direction to make Virginia a national leader in renewable energy and create green jobs in the Commonwealth."

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