Saturday, May 30, 2009

McAuliffe Statement on the Nomination of Bob McDonnell

Gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe this morning released the following statement on the official nomination of Bob McDonnell as the Republican candidate for governor:

"I want to congratulate Bob McDonnell on formally becoming the Republican nominee today. If I have the honor of becoming the Democratic nominee, I look forward to talking about the differences in our records - I am the only candidate for governor with experience creating thousands of jobs, the only one who hasn't been mired in the partisan bickering in Richmond, and the only one who will bring the same executive style leadership that Governors Warner and Kaine brought to the office.

"I'm proud of my experience and my record, but this weekend, Bob McDonnell, surrounded by Mitt Romney, Sean Hannity, and other Republicans has tried to reinvent his. They've all tried to hide his long divisive ideological record, and portray him as someone who now is a moderate.

Click here to read more.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Terry McAuliffe blazes different Virginia trail

May 29th, 2009
Politico
Jonathan Martin

Brian Moran served for 20 years as a local prosecutor and in the Virginia House. Creigh Deeds has been in the Virginia House and Senate for 17 years.

But they’re both being outpaced in most polls by a man who has never served a day in public office and, until a few months ago, had few ties to Virginia besides his mailing address.

What would have seemed implausible a year ago, maybe even laughable, doesn’t seem so far-fetched anymore: Terry McAuliffe, the former Democratic National Committee chairman and Clinton First Friend, as Virginia’s Democratic gubernatorial nominee.

That a son of Syracuse turned Washington operator might claim the party’s nomination in the June 9 primary speaks to the sea-change under way in Virginia.

Click here to read more.

McAuliffe Campaign Releases New Radio Ad Featuring President Clinton

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new radio ad highlighting his experience and widespread support from Virginia organizations and Democratic leaders, including President Bill Clinton.

"It makes a difference who the Governor is. It makes a difference what the policies are and I am telling you Terry McAuliffe was made for this moment in history," President Clinton says in the ad. "He's got more energy than anybody I've ever met, he's relentlessly positive and he really cares about people like you.

Click here to read more.

Terry McAuliffe Highlights Energy Efficiency Proposals

This morning, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe highlighted his plans for increasing energy efficiency to help our environment, create jobs, and reduce the energy bills of Virginia families at an event with representatives from building company Bain-Waring. At a high-efficiency home construction project where recycled newspaper insulation was being installed, McAuliffe discussed his proposals to reduce Virginia's energy consumption and meet the energy needs of the Commonwealth with members of the League of Conservation Voters, whose organization endorsed McAuliffe in the gubernatorial primary.

"Energy efficiency is the cheapest, quickest, and cleanest way for Virginia to meet its growing energy demands," said McAuliffe. "By investing in cost-effective energy efficiency measures, we can not only save Virginia families money, we can create efficiency sector jobs right here in the Commonwealth."

Click here to read more.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

McAuliffe for Governor

Richmond Free Press
May 28, 2009

In considering our endorsement for governor in the June 9 Democratic primary, our foremost objective is this: To keep up the Virginia momentum for President Obama’s audacious program of hope and change. In order to achieve that goal, we believe we must elect the strongest Democratic candidate with the ability to defeat the Republican candidate in the Nov. 3 General Election.

In the presidential election, Virginia took a huge progressive step when it voted for Barack Obama and contributed to his historic win for the presidency. The president’s win in Virginia marked a phenomenal break with the past. It marked the first time in 44 years that a Democrat had won over a conservative Republican candidate. A more noteworthy fact: Virginia, with an indisputable awful history of pervasive racism voted for President Obama, signaling a convincing break with the past. That break sent an unbelievably welcome message – that all Virginians can be treated as equals.

We must keep up this momentum of hope and change: not only for Virginia, but for the future of the nation.

The General Election will be a referendum on the progressive policies of a president who, in just four months, has made awesome strides to clean up the mess created by former President Gorge W. Bush, with the fanatical support of the likes of Virginia Republicans Eric Cantor, Bob McDonnell and Bill Bolling. These are old Harry Byrd-type politicians who can see no good in the enlightened, effective performance of President Obama. They are servants of the rich. They are the cold, heartless opponents of the poor and average citizen.

Click here to read more.

Democrat a Mix of Showmanship, Political Savvy

The Washington Post
Thursday, May 28, 2009
By Theresa Vargas

Few eighth-graders hire attorneys, but after the class rings didn’t arrive at St. Ann’s School in Syracuse, N.Y., there was Terry McAuliffe, ringing the doorbell of one of the area’s most prominent litigators. That lawyer’s son, Duke Kinney, remembers opening the door to find his friend and class president wearing a suit, carrying a briefcase and asking, “Is Mr. Kinney home?”

“This guy thought he was messing with an eighth-grader, but he was messing with the wrong eighth-grader,” Kinney recalled recently of the salesman, who eventually delivered the rings. “The next thing you know, this eighth-grader has a letter being served to this guy from the biggest law firm in Syracuse.”

Among Virginia’s Democratic gubernatorial candidates, McAuliffe, 52, has fallen into the easy description of carnival barker, shouting for one and all to come join the fun of creating jobs, embracing alternative energy and eliminating predatory lenders.

Click here to read more.

McAuliffe Campaign Releases New Radio Ad Featuring will.i.am

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new radio ad highlighting his support from Grammy award winning hip-hop artist and Democratic activist will.i.am. McAuliffe and will.i.am have known each other since 2004 and have worked together on many Democratic efforts.
"If you know Terry then you know how contagious his energy is, so when he asked me to join him and the Democratic party to reach out to young people, I didn't have to think twice," will.i.am says in the ad.


Click here to read more.

Weekly Blog Roundup 5/28/09

Just like Terry and all of our supporters, the blogosphere is gearing up for Election Day. This week bloggers have been talking about which candidates are looking good in the polls, Terry's latest endorsements, and events leading up to the final week. We're just as excited as bloggers are for the upcoming primary election, which is why we all agree we need to put every ounce of that energy into getting out the vote.

Terry has received numerous endorsements this week, including former Lieutenant Governor Candidate Jon Bowerbank and prominent Virginia blogger Ben Tribbett. Ben explains his reasons for endorsing Terry at his blog, Not Larry Sabato.

This hasn't been an easy choice… But after a lot of thought, I'm going to support Terry McAuliffe for Governor. A few reasons: The national media has been salivating over this race since Terry got into it waiting for a gaffe that they could jump on and blow up. It hasn't happened, because Terry has researched the issues, learned local politics in every corner of the Commonwealth and surrounded himself with a first rate campaign team. I think that indicates that Terry is ready for the General Election... He can take on the toughest fights- and drive the General Assembly to solutions. …we need a Governor to shake things up in Richmond. Terry is the right man at this time to do so… More importantly, Terry is giving people a little bit of that hope we got in 2008 and that kind of optimistic attitude can do everyone a lot of good right now.

Click here to read more.


A must read

There are two excellent stories out today - an endorsement from the state's leading African-American newspaper, the Richmond Free Press, and a great profile of Terry in The Washington Post. I'm not going to do much writing in this email; the articles speak for themselves. As the RFP wrote, "We see Terry McAuliffe as the one who can win, keep up the momentum for hope and change and continue the tradition of smart, fair-minded resourceful leadership best exemplified by President Obama."

Click here to read more.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Terry McAuliffe brings energy to Virginia race

Collegiate Times
May 27, 2009
by Mike Sage

2009 Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe has given the campaign a big name with considerable experience working at the highest levels of public affairs.

He has accomplished much in both the business and political world, and his most obvious characteristic is one that seems quite appropriate for a potential governor of the commonwealth during these tough economic times: energy.

One meeting with McAuliffe is all an observer needs to fully comprehend this contagious energy. I've had the chance to witness McAuliffe in action on two different occasions: first at the Collegiate Times' sponsored gubernatorial debate held in Blacksburg for this year's Democratic candidates, and a second time at a speech in Roanoke. In each instance, I left the experience thoroughly impressed with this very outgoing candidate.

Click here to read more.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

McAuliffe Campaign Releases New Ad Highlighting Education Plans

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new television advertisement highlighting his ideas for getting all Virginia's children on a path to success.

"Did you know we use the failure rate of third graders to help predict how many prison spots Virginia will need in 15 years?" says McAuliffe in the ad. "As Governor I'll invest in early education, reduce class sizes and invest in teacher pay because the future of our children and our Commonwealth start right here."

Click here to read more and watch the ad.

McAuliffe Campaign Announces Endorsements from Virginia Blogger, Commonwealth Democratic Leaders

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe received the endorsement of Virginia blogger Ben Tribbett and former lieutenant governor candidate Jon Bowerbank, as well as Democratic leaders from across the state.

The McAuliffe campaign this morning released a video from Tribbett announcing his endorsement of McAuliffe's candidacy and discussing his support. That video can be found here.

Tribbett runs the blog Not Larry Sabato, the most widely read political blog in the Commonwealth. McAuliffe has previously been endorsed by the three co-founders of the Draft Jim Webb movement, bloggers Lee Diamond, Josh Chernila, and Lowell Feld.

Former lieutenant governor candidate Jon Bowerbank, citing McAuliffe's experience and leadership, elaborated on his endorsement in a statement to the campaign. "Terry's got big ideas for Virginia's future and I believe he's got the experience to deliver-- on job creation and making our Commonwealth a leader on green technologies," said Bowerbank. "At a time when so many families across the Commonwealth are struggling, Terry can help bring people from across the Commonwealth together to get our economy back on track. I look forward to working with him, and I strongly endorse his candidacy for Governor."

Click here to read more.

Great News

I've got some great news, and it's all thanks to your hard work. Some new polling shows we've got the lead, and today we're releasing a new TV ad to help keep our momentum going. But with just two weeks to go until Election Day, our opponents are ratcheting up the attacks, and we're counting on your help to pull us over the finish line.

Click here to read more.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

This Time, McAuliffe Is Selling Himself

National Journal
May 23, 2009
by Jennifer Skalka

When he turned 52 early this year, Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe -- glad-handing former rainmaker of the Democratic National Committee and permanent First Friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton -- fittingly celebrated with a fundraiser lightly disguised as a birthday party. Old pals, including such famous-for-Washington types as lawyer Richard Ben-Veniste and former Rep. Tom McMillen, turned out for the Macker, as he's known.

In the middle of the room stood a five-tier confection -- bright blue and decorated with cardinals, the state bird. A McAuliffe-looking figurine, but blonder, stood atop the cake, which had the state's motto, Sic semper tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants), draped across it. But when the time came for guests to dive in, a waiter instead delivered ready-to-eat slices of some other goodie from a back room.

Was the strange, towering creation for real? Without dragging a finger through the Technicolor frosting, it was impossible to tell. But as the irrepressible party pitchman-turned-candidate closes in on his first-ever primary, the mystery dessert makes an easy metaphor for what Old Dominion voters must decide about his gold-plated campaign. "If you're lookin' for the same old thing, I'm not your guy to go to Richmond," the transplanted New Yorker, who has developed a new habit of dropping his g's, told well-wishers.

Click here to read more.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Weekly Blog Roundup 5/22/09

With 18 days until the primary, bloggers this week analyzed the recent events impacting the gubernatorial race, including celebrity rallies and endorsements, debates, campaign attacks, issues and polls.

At Blue Commonwealth, aznew provided a balanced look at the last Democratic gubernatorial debate, with some positive and negative reactions to each of the candidates.

My first impression at the debate was that Terry McAuliffe won. In the hall, at least, Creigh seemed a little flat and Moran seemed, well, lost in the sense that with three weeks left to go in a campaign that he has been waging for three years, he still hasn't seemed to find a consistent voice or message... First, let me cite the one winning McAuliffe moment that stood out as the debate's highlight. When it came time for his question, Creigh asked McAuliffe how he could promise so much to so many - building a gym, paying teachers mortgages, etc., when he knows budgets will be tight. The question was intended to put McAuliffe on the spot for pandering and over-promising. Before he was halfway done asking it, however, it was clear to everyone - even Creigh, I think -- that he'd made a mistake. McAuliffe thanked Creigh for the question, and took the opportunity to talk about his big ideas, about reaching for the stars. "Do you want me to get out of bed and say I'm gonna be 50th?" he said. "NO. You shoot for the moon. John Kennedy didn't say we're taking the rocket halfway to the moon, It goes all the way to the moon."

Click here to read more.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Crusade backs McAuliffe

Richmond Free Press
By Jeremy M. Lazarus
May 21, 2009

Terry McAuliffe has gained the backing of the Richmond Crusade for Voters for his bid to win the Democratic nomination for governor in the upcoming June 9 primary election.

The city’s oldest and largest organized political group Tuesday night endorsed Mr. McAuliffe, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He won over his two rivals in the primary, Bath County state Sen. Creigh Deeds and former Alexandria Delegate Brian J. Moran.

Jeff Bourne, a Richmond attorney who chairs the Crusade’s research committee, announced the results after 80 members voted by secret ballot at the Letter Carriers Union building on Chamberlayne Avenue. The committee itself did not issue a recommendation to the membership in this race.

Click here to read more.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

All the way to the moon

This race is getting heated - and it's moving at lightning speed. While Terry continued to communicate his positive vision for growing Virginia's economy at yesterday's final debate in Annandale, Brian Moran launched the first TV attack ad of the race, and a firestorm of criticism erupted in the aftermath of his false radio spot.

You've built this campaign from the ground up. And with just 20 days to go, I want to make sure you don't miss a beat.

Click here to read more.

Va. Candidates Clash In Final Debate of Democratic Primary

The Washington Post
May 20, 2009
By Anita Kumar and Rosalind S. Helderman

Virginia Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls R. Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran sought to isolate rival Terry McAuliffe in the final debate of the primary campaign yesterday by trying to portray him as someone who has exaggerated his business record, inflated his campaign promises and dissembled about his campaign contributors.

"Tell me, Terry, how is this a credible, positive campaign? And how will Virginia voters trust that you'll care about their jobs and creating any new jobs?" Moran asked pointedly.

With three weeks to the June 9 primary, the debate mirrored the closing themes of a hard-fought campaign, with McAuliffe maintaining his role as the center of attention as he wages an outsider bid to become the Democratic standard-bearer in a general election race against Republican Robert F. McDonnell.

After absorbing repeated jabs, McAuliffe dismissed the critiques as "divisive politics of destruction that people are sick and tired of," and he asked his opponents to redouble their efforts to focus on ideas so the party can emerge from the primary united.

"That's what Democratic primaries are all about," he said.

Click here to read more.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

"No, He Can't"

Virginia Tomorrow
May 19, 2009
By Bob Holsworth

That’s the message that Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran are sending about Terry McAuliffe’s ideas in a Democratic primary contest that is becoming increasingly personal.

McAuliffe has portrayed himself as an outsider who wants to bring “big ideas” to Virginia and shake up the political system.

Change the Dillon rule. Develop a more aggressive strategy and incentive structure for pursuing major business relocations. Make Virginia into a leader for renewable energy. More jobs will be produced in Virginia than anywhere else.

It’s an idea a day. And McAuliffe’s the hopemonger-in-chief.

Click here to read more.

Rivals Take Aim at McAuliffe in Final Primary Debate

May 19th, 2009
The Washington Post
Anita Kumar

Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls R. Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran sought to isolate Terry McAuliffe in the final debate among the three primary candidates today by repeatedly and vigorously attacking him on his credibility.

Deeds and Moran accused McAuliffe of promising too much to too many, charged that he exaggerated claims about his business record and suggested he had hidden the truth about his campaign donations.

"These are the divisive politics of destruction that people are sick and tired of," McAuliffe said. "We need a healthy discussion on the issues," he added, defending his record and calling the charges untrue.

Click here to read more.

McAuliffe Releases New Ad Defending Record of Saving and Creating Jobs

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new ad emphasizing his record of saving and creating jobs in response to a negative ad from the Moran campaign.

"It's very telling that Brian Moran is once again relying on negative and misleading attacks against Terry in his first television ad," McAuliffe spokeswoman Lis Smith said. "Terry is running on his strong record of creating thousands of jobs-a record verified by the Washington Post today. In these troubling economic times, Virginians are looking for a governor with the right experience to create jobs and get our economy back on track - someone with a positive vision for Virginia's future - not someone focused making misleading and negative attacks." The Washington Post story can be found at http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2009/05/mcauliffe_i_created_thousands.html.

Click here to read more.

Monday, May 18, 2009

McAuliffe Releases Response Ad Highlighting his Campaign Work on Behalf of President Obama

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new ad highlighting his record as an advocate for President Obama during last year's General Election campaign.

"I campaigned hard for Hillary Clinton," says McAuliffe in the ad. "But when the primaries ended I campaigned just as hard to help elect Barack Obama. My opponents know that. Brian Moran is a good democrat; so it's sad to see him use the same kind of attack politics against me that the Republicans used against President Obama."

Click here to read more.

Obama National Co-Chair and Former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle Releases Statement in Support of Terry McAuliffe

Today, former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, who served as a National Campaign Co-Chair for President Barack Obama, issued the following statement in support of gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe:

"As the national co-chair of Barack Obama's presidential campaign and one of his earliest supporters, I was impressed by the time and energy Terry put into traveling across Virginia and the country on Barack Obama's behalf during the general election.

"From the day Hillary Clinton ended her historic bid for president, Terry worked tirelessly to unify our party around Barack Obama and get him elected President. His energy and enthusiasm were tremendous assets on the campaign trail and we were grateful to have him on our side.

Click here to read more.

Setting the record straight

Brian Moran's campaign has reached a new low. Last night they unveiled a false attack ad, set to air on African-American radio stations, that's deliberately designed to deceive voters into believing Terry opposed Barack Obama's candidacy last November.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Immediately after the primary, Terry led the charge for Democrats to unite behind Barack Obama. The Obama campaign asked Terry to campaign on its behalf and Terry held dozens and dozens of events in Virginia and across the country - making the case that President Obama was the right person to turn the page on eight devastating years of Republican rule and restore the promise of America. The Obama campaign trumpeted Terry's support -- releasing professional web videos of Terry's campaign stops in Virginia and other swing states.

Click here to read more.

McAuliffe Campaign Releases Statement on Moran Campaign's Negative and Misleading Radio Advertisements

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe's campaign spokeswoman Lis Smith released the following statement on Brian Moran's negative radio ads:

"Negative attacks like this one are nothing new from Brian Moran, who continues to run false and misleading ads. The fact is that Terry fought tirelessly after the presidential primaries to get Barack Obama elected.

"Terry is proud to have held dozens and dozens of events across Virginia and the country on President Obama's behalf. And he's proud to have worked with leaders like President Obama and Governor Kaine to establish unity in the Democratic Party after the presidential primary. It's sad that Brian Moran is trying to divide Democrats again, especially at a time when we all need to come together to help President Obama get the economy back on track.

"With a strong record of creating thousands of jobs and turning around struggling businesses, Terry doesn't need to rely on negative and misleading attacks. It's unfortunate that Brian Moran does."

Click here to read more.

Saved

Click here to watch our new Ad.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Weekly Blog Roundup 5/15/09

Welcome to this week's installment of the Weekly Blog Roundup. Bloggers have been talking about Terry's recent endorsements, events, and reasons why it's not too late to become a Terry supporter.

As we head down the home stretch, we've seen some people switch their support from Brian Moran to Terry. Neal Osborne explained at Blue Commonwealth why Terry’s positive campaign has affected his decison.

Terry will be a happy warrior going into the fall campaign against Bob McDonnell and that is what we need. He can convey his plans to the voters in an enthusiastic way that will guarantee him independent (and yes, even Republican) votes. Some belittle Terry by saying he'll be a "cheerleader." Well, in these grave economic times, Virginia could use a cheerleader, especially one with progressive plans and ideas to fix Virginia's economy and get people back to work. Mark Warner brought fresh ideas to the governor's mansion. So did Tim Kaine. Now it's time to do it again and send Terry McAuliffe to Richmond.

Click here to read more.

Friday, May 15, 2009

McAuliffe Releases New Ad Highlighting Business Leadership

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new television advertisement highlighting his business leadership experience turning the Federal City National Bank around. Within a year of being elected Chairman of FCNB in 1988, McAuliffe brought the bank out of the red, turned a profit and saved employees' jobs.

"Terry came in, put a team together, resolved the problems," Former FCNB Bank President Clyde Smith says in the ad. "He really cared about the people that worked at this bank."

Click here to read more.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

With Clinton in tow, McAuliffe stumps in Virginia

Associated Press
May 14, 2009
by Bob Lewis

With former President Bill Clinton in tow, Democrat Terry McAuliffe pitched his business experience as a stronger asset in this fall’s governor’s race than his two rivals’ legislative background.

In the third campaign swing across Virginia with the former president known for a record peacetime economic expansion, McAuliffe focused on experience in a strategy to define the rest of the field as part of a legislature that too often impeded progress.

Click here to read more.

Terry McAuliffe is Barack Obama

Salon
May 14, 2009
By Mike Madden

It was getting late Monday night, and Biz Markie had been playing hit after hit from his laptop at a nightclub in the D.C. suburbs, running through different sounds from the ’80s and ’90s — a little “Livin’ on a Prayer” here, a little “The Freaks Come Out at Night” there, then the first verse or two of “The Choice Is Yours.” Suddenly the club’s lights went down all the way, and a spotlight shone out onto the stage. Biz stopped DJing and started singing “Just a Friend,” the single that shot him up the rap charts 20 years ago — but with a strange new twist in the lyrics. Instead of, “But you say he’s just a friend,” the song’s chorus became, “Because Terry is our friend.”

That’s “Terry” as in Terry McAuliffe. And this has been, for most of 2009, how McAuliffe rolls. The consummate Democratic Party insider — and the single most loyal supporter of both Bill and Hillary Clinton over the years — is now running in Virginia’s gubernatorial campaign, trying to become the state’s very own Barack Obama. Polls show he’s got the lead, and the momentum, with less than a month before the Democratic primary on June 9. McAuliffe says stepping up from campaign chairman to candidate was a natural fit. “It’s fun doing it for yourself,” he told Salon Wednesday. “You got control.”

If he wins the nomination, the general election that would follow might give the political world the first hint of an answer to two questions: One, just how blue is Virginia these days? The state’s demographics have shifted; this isn’t the same Virginia that Clinton lost twice in the 1990s. But it still isn’t reliably in the Democratic column. How well a nationally prominent fundraiser who’s never so much as run for dogcatcher will do seeking to become chief executive of a purple state remains to be seen. The second question — which a McAuliffe loss in the primary might help settle, too — is, can the Obama campaign’s strategy and grass-roots tactics work with a rich white guy at the top of the ticket instead of Barack Obama?

Click here to read more.

At the Farm Park, a Small Crop of Interest

The Washington Post
May 14, 2009
By Marc Fisher

The regular weekday visitors at Frying Pan Park come for the tractor ride and a look at the goats and the pigs. Yesterday, immediately next to the pigsty, there was a bonus attraction: the former president of the United States and his buddy, who is running for governor of Virginia.

Most of the park's visitors chose the pigs. (A helpful sign assured all that you can't catch swine flu from visiting Porky.)

The farm park just east of Dulles International Airport in Herndon is a magnet for young mothers looking for a diversion for their preschoolers. The campaign visit by Bill Clinton and Terry McAuliffe was certainly the buzz of the afternoon, but most mothers weren't sticking around to see the politicians.

Click here to read more.

Terry Campaigns with President Clinton in Norfolk



Click here to read more.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Bill Clinton rejoins McAuliffe for Virginia campaign encore

Washington Examiner
May 13, 2009
By William C. Flook

Former President Bill Clinton stumped for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe across Fairfax County on Wednesday, striking a fiscally hawkish tone as he described his close friend and longtime adviser.

Clinton, arriving characteristically late to a rally at Herndon’s Frying Pan Park, framed McAuliffe as the man to balance spending and restraint in the governor’s mansion, and who would “tell you the truth when something can’t be done and money can’t be spent.”

It was a clear overture to independent voters who haven’t made up their minds which, if any, of the three Democratic hopefuls they will vote for. McAuliffe faces former Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria and State Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County in a June 9 primary.

Click here to read more.

You got what I need

We've got just 27 days until the primary, and our campaign's momentum is growing daily. We're preparing to launch our Get-Out-the-Vote operation, which will be the largest, most sophisticated, and most targeted effort ever organized by a Virginia gubernatorial campaign. And I wanted to drop you a line and give you a quick update.

On the road with Terry

On Monday, the campaign got an injection of star power as Terry made four stops around the Commonwealth with his good friend, will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas, who created the "Yes We Can" video for Barack Obama that was viewed by millions. Terry and will talked about the importance of bringing new voters into the political process, and the need to have a governor who can partner with President Obama to create the jobs of the future.

Click here to read more.

McAuliffe Receives Celebrity Endorsement

May 13th, 2009
Connection Newspapers
Julia O'Donoghue

While political opponents criticize Terry McAuliffe for accepting political donations from wealthy Californians, the Virginia gubernatorial candidate appears to be running toward, not away from, his West Coast connections.

Hip-hop artist will.i.am took an overnight plane from Los Angeles to Dulles International Airport to spend the day campaigning with McAuliffe in Virginia May 11.

The celebrity tour included an evening event at the Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington County, where those willing to donate $20 to the McAuliffe campaign could see will.i.am perform in front of a small crowd. People willing to give $500 got the opportunity to meet the music producer at a VIP reception before the short concert.

Click here to read more.

Clinton and McAuliffe Stand Together in Herndon

Loudoun Independent
May 13, 2009
By John L. Geddie

For Democrats of a certain age, there is nothing closer to a quasi-religious experience than getting to hear Bill Clinton speak in person. That is at least partially why Terry McAuliffe, one of three Democrats vying for the gubernatorial nomination, brought out the big guns in the closing weeks of the primary campaign.

Even from a distance there is an obvious easy comfort between McAuliffe and Clinton, breed from a close working relationship between the two—most notably McAuliffe’s management of Clinton’s ’96 re-election campaign and strong support of Hillary Clinton’s unsuccessful bid for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008.

Click here to read more.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

McAuliffe slams GOP candidate on jobs

Richmond Times Dispatch
May 12, 2009
By Jeff E. Schapiro

Pitching for the youth vote with will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas fame, Democrat Terry McAuliffe is unloading some boom, boom, pow on his would-be Republican opponent for governor.

While campaigning yesterday with the hip-hop star whose group's latest tune, "Boom, Boom, Pow," is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, McAuliffe attacked former Attorney General Bob McDonnell for defending House of Delegates Republicans' vote to block $125 million in federal funds for expanded jobless benefits.

Click here to read more.

VA GOV: SEIU For McAuliffe

Hotline On Call
May 12, 2009

A local chapter of the labor organization SEIU today endorsed Terry McAuliffe for VA GOV, citing the strength of his jobs plan in a release issued by McAuliffe's campaign.

The chapter -- 32BJ of the SEIU, which has over 3,500 members in VA -- also stressed McAuliffe's proposals to improve VA's health care, education and the state's transportation systems.

"Terry McAuliffe will be a strong advocate for working families that make our economy run but struggle to make ends meet," said Mike Fishman, 32BJ president. "He understands that improving wage and benefit standards is a top priority for workers and key to jump-starting our economy."

Click here to read more.

Coming up McAuliffe?

Loudoun Independent
May 12, 2009
By John L. Geddie

It’s been a good couple weeks for Terry McAuliffe, one of the Democrats seeking the party’s nomination for Governor. There have been several significant statewide endorsements, but most notably for Loudoun was a group of six Loudoun Democrats including party vice-chairs Bob Moses and Ellen Heald; Communications Chair Erinn Becker; District Chairs Mari Ann Bowen and Pravin Gandhi; and Robert Latham, President of the Loudoun Young Democrats. There’s a popular joke in both parties “that about 50 people do all the work in the county.” While six endorsements may not look like much, it carries some weight when it’s those six people.

Click here to read more.

Gov. Candidate Profile: Terry McAuliffe

NBC 29
May 12, 2009

When you talk to Terry McAuliffe, it doesn’t take long to figure out the theme of his gubernatorial campaign.

“I’m about jobs, jobs, jobs,” he said during an interview at his Charlottesville field office.

McAuliffe is running as a Richmond outsider. This is his first bid for office, although his political connections — from an extremely close friendship with Bill and Hillary Clinton, to time as the chairman of the Democratic National Committee — are well documented.

Click here to read more.

32BJ of the Services Employees International Union Endorses McAuliffe for Governor

32BJ of the SEIU today endorsed Terry McAuliffe for governor, citing his plans to get hard-working Virginians back to work in high-quality, sustainable jobs. 32BJ of the SEIU, which has over 3,500 members in Virginia, emphasized their belief that McAuliffe's comprehensive approach to economic growth, including proposals to improve Virginia's health care, education, and transportation systems, was the best approach to improving the lives of their members and of all Virginians.

"Terry McAuliffe will be a strong advocate for working families that make our economy run but struggle to make ends meet," said Mike Fishman, 32BJ President. "He understands that improving wage and benefit standards is a top priority for workers and key to jump-starting our economy."

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Sunday, May 10, 2009

McAuliffe touts green energy

The Free Lance-Star
May 10, 2009
By Dan Telvock

As soon as he stepped out of his black Tahoe hybrid yesterday, Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe told about 35 supporters that he hears a lot of jokes about his chicken-waste idea.

"We can turn not only chicken waste, but all agricultural waste, into renewable energy," the Democrat said from a small office on Lafayette Boulevard in Fredericksburg.

The idea is a prominent component of his campaign. McAuliffe, who will face Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran in the June 9 primary, had canvasses from Fredericksburg to Leesburg yesterday. Whoever wins the primary will face Republican Bob McDonnell, the former state attorney general.

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Terry McAuliffe makes his case

Richmond-Times Dispatch
May 10, 2009
By Terry McAuliffe

Across the commonwealth, folks are worried about jobs, about our energy future, about the quality of their children's education, and the value of their homes. We've been lucky here in Virginia -- we've had two great governors in Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and they have worked hard to put Virginia in a place to weather the economic downturn much better than other states. But our next governor is still going to have some serious economic challenges to address, and that's why I'm running for governor: I believe I have the right experience and the best vision to get our economy moving again.

For nearly 20 years, Virginia's been my home. My wife, Dorothy, and I are raising five children, and I want to make sure Virginia continues to be a great place for them to find opportunities when they're adults. That's what I want for all of Virginia's families.

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Friday, May 8, 2009

Sneak Preview

I can hardly believe it. But at midnight tomorrow, we'll only have one month to go until Primary Day on June 9th. We've worked incredibly hard, and this is no time to let up.

Everywhere I go, when I talk about Terry's Business Plan for Virginia and the way he proposes to lead our Commonwealth through these tough economic times, people are eager to support his candidacy. But there are only so many places that Terry and I can be at once. With just 32 days until the election, we need your help to communicate Terry's message all over the Commonwealth. As a part of that effort, even I am taking to the airwaves to share a little bit of our personal story and why Terry has chosen to run.

I recorded a special TV ad for Terry that is set to air on Mother's Day. And if you make a contribution of $5 or more, you'll get to preview the ad before it hits the airwaves.

Click here to read more.

Weekly Blog Roundup 5/8/09

This week in the blogosphere, there were reports on Terry's many recent endorsements, including local leaders, unions, organizations, and a famous hip-hop artist. Bloggers also talked about Terry's events and determination to improve Virginia's economy.

Lowell at Blue Virginia reported on Terry’s endorsement from the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, saying:

As of today, Terry is THE environmentalist candidate in this race. Rock and roll!

Others agreed, like commenter Tom Counts...

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On the Campaign Trail with Terry McAuliffe

May 8th, 2009
The New York Times
Adam Nagourney

The Virginia Democratic Party’s annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner, held at Richmond’s sprawl of a convention center on a mild Saturday night in February, was particularly festive this year. The Democratic Party is enjoying a resurgence in Virginia, propelled first by the November victory of Barack Obama — the first Democratic presidential candidate to win the state since Lyndon Johnson — and now by a lively battle for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. There are three men who want the nomination, but on this weekend, you could be forgiven for thinking that there was only one, and that his name was Terry McAuliffe.

There were McAuliffe signs everywhere, an exhausting blur of blue and yellow starting at the airport and rolling for nine miles to the entrance of the Greater Richmond Convention Center. There, bustling McAuliffe campaign workers, rolling around on electric carts, hoisted a McAuliffe for Governor banner over the street. A marching band stepped in place, before accompanying McAuliffe and his supporters as they paraded around the center, grandly announcing his arrival. Inside, volunteers scattered the hall with 2,500 McAuliffe fortune cookies, which crumbled open to reveal fortunes like high speed rail is in your future. The fortune-cookie count came courtesy of the McAuliffe campaign, which also reported that the campaign had purchased 39 dinner tables, printed 1,000 McAuliffe for Governor signs, issued 300 glow sticks to wave at the dinner and was paying for two after-dinner parties, with open bars. It was a display of political money and muscle that was quite unlike anything anyone had ever seen at the annual dinner. “When I decide to do something,” McAuliffe said as he marched along with his band, “I do it.”

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Thursday, May 7, 2009

McAuliffe Releases New Web Ad, Mail Piece Focusing on Chicken Waste to Energy

Following his endorsement yesterday by the League of Conservation Voters, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe today unveiled an ad on the internet and a campaign mailer touting his support for clean, chicken waste-to-energy technology.

In the ad, McAuliffe notes that chicken waste-to-energy techology has the potential to power 40,000 Virginia homes as well as, "The power to create jobs right here, clean up the environment, and the power to help make us energy independent. Visit my website and read my plan."

Click here to read more and view the ad.

McAuliffe Campaign Releases New Radio Ad Highlighting Plan to Ban Predatory Lenders

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new ad highlighting the predatory lending problems plaguing families across the Commonwealth and his plan to ban predatory lenders.

"Every day Virginia families struggle to make ends meet and sometimes they need a small loan to get by. But some loans come at too high [of] a price because legislation that was passed in Richmond in 2002 allowed predatory payday lenders to do business in Virginia," says a female announcer in the ad. "For Terry McAuliffe the solution is simple. He is the only candidate for Governor who proposed doing the right thing - ban all predatory lending in Virginia."

Click here to read more and listen to the ad.

McAuliffe travels this part of campaign trail in algae-fueled car

May 7th, 2009
The Progress-Index
Markus Schmidt

PRINCE GEORGE — Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe believes that a interstate high-speed rail would create 176,000 new jobs in Virginia. “We ought to have high speed rail from Washington to Richmond to the Hampton Roads area,” McAuliffe said in an interview with The Progress-Index in Prince George County, where he was campaigning yesterday.

McAuliffe added that the rail could have a stop in Petersburg.

He also pointed out the environmental benefits of such a project. “You’d get rid of tens of thousands of tons of CO2 emissions and we’d get a million cars off the road,” he said.

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Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Only Poll That Matters

All of the hard work you've done is starting to make a big difference, according to the latest public polling. After showing Brian Moran in the lead last month, yesterday Public Policy Polling confirmed that Terry McAuliffe has a double digit lead.

PPP noted that, "This is the fourth time PPP has polled this contest and the first time one of the candidates has broken away from the pack." These numbers come just after last week's Survey USA poll, which also showed Terry with a double-digit lead.

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Virginia Elected Officials, Local Police Union Endorse McAuliffe for Governor

Today, the Arlington Coalition of Police Union and elected officials from across the Commonwealth announced their support for gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe, citing his plan to create jobs and his engagement with local leaders and elected officials throughout the campaign.

"Our police officers and other front-line public servants are feeling the strain of this recession," said Union President Ken Dennis. "We need a governor who is not only going to work to improve our economy here in Virginia, but who will partner with local police and government officials to tailor our path forward to the needs of individual local communities. Terry has not only demonstrated that he will be our partner in the governor's office, but that he will take seriously our input and ideas, and in doing so, will improve all of Virginia's communities."

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Green group endorses McAuliffe in Va. race

May 6th, 2009
Associated Press
Bob Lewis

RICHMOND, Va. - Terry McAuliffe got the endorsement of a national environmental advocacy group in Virginia's three-man Democratic gubernatorial primary.

The League of Conservation Voters endorsed the former Democratic National Committee chairman Wednesday even though his rival, Brian Moran, is more outspoken against new coal-fired power plants.

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Virginia League of Conservation Voters Endorses Terry McAuliffe for Governor in the Democratic Primary

Today, the Virginia League of Conservation Voters announced their endorsement of Terry McAuliffe for Governor in the Democratic Primary, citing his emphasis on renewable energy and efficiency proposals.

"We feel that the dynamics of government in Virginia need to change dramatically in order to safeguard our environment; our Board is convinced that Terry McAuliffe has the broad vision and the contacts and requisite skills to meet challenges directly," said Executive Director Lisa Guthrie. "McAuliffe has a clear and complete understanding of the interconnections between land use, transportation, and energy generation and transmission."

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Monday, May 4, 2009

The record to create jobs

Terry has a long, successful career as an entrepreneur with 13 years experience running large organizations. This morning the Washington Post examined some of the work Terry's done -- creating thousands of jobs and turning around struggling institutions. I want to make sure you've had a chance to read it.

When Terry sees opportunities, he finds ways to make them happen. He started his first business when he was just 14 years old, paving driveways so he could pay for college. At age 30, he was elected one of the youngest people to ever serve as Chairman of a federally chartered bank, which had fallen on some hard times. Terry came in, replaced the leadership team, brought in new capital, and turned things around. At a time when the federal government has had to rescue so many banks that couldn't sustain themselves, we've got a candidate who saved one from failure.

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Virginia Democrats Endorse Terry McAuliffe for Governor

Today, more than two dozen Democratic leaders from Loudoun and across the Commonwealth endorsed Terry McAuliffe for Governor, citing his strong grassroots campaign and his ideas for getting the economy back on track.

"Over the past eight years, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine have shown what Democrats can accomplish in Virginia," said Bob Moses, Loudoun County Democrats Vice Chair. "Now, as we work through these difficult times, we're going to need another leader who can infuse new ideas into Richmond and get our economy back on track. Not only does Terry have the experience to lead us, he has the energy to put ideas into action. I saw that energy just this past weekend at the Loudoun Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, and I look forward to seeing that energy behind the governor's desk."

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Va. Candidate McAuliffe Has History of Mixing Business, Politics

By Amy Gardner
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, May 3, 2009

Terry McAuliffe has a simple message for Virginia: Elect him governor this year and he will bring jobs, because he has more business experience than anyone else in the race.

Yet McAuliffe's business pedigree is not so simple. He is a dealmaker who made millions from investments. And many of his biggest deals came in partnership with prominent donors and politicians, creating a portrait over the years of a Washington insider who got rich as he rose to power within the Democratic Party.

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Sunday, May 3, 2009

Blue candidate has green plan for Virginia

Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star
Op-Ed
May 3, 2009
Edward Bentz

Terry McAuliffe, candidate for governor of Virginia, has recently released his comprehensive energy plan for Virginia. It is directed at job development through green energy development.

As McAuliffe puts it, "My business plan for Virginia is really a jobs plan."

The other Democratic candidates for governor are also offering green energy initiatives: For example, state Sen. Creigh Deeds sponsored bills in the most recent session of the General Assembly to help homeowners and localities finance the purchase of solar panels, and former Del. Brian Moran has likewise promised to boost incentives for solar power.

McAuliffe's energy plan is unique in its business-oriented focus on green jobs, especially in two often-overlooked areas of potential job creation: investments in increased efficiency, and exploitation of biomass energy alternatives that match Virginia's indigenous capabilities and resources.

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Va. Candidate McAuliffe Has History of Mixing Business, Politics

By Amy Gardner
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, May 3, 2009

Terry McAuliffe has a simple message for Virginia: Elect him governor this year and he will bring jobs, because he has more business experience than anyone else in the race.

Yet McAuliffe's business pedigree is not so simple. He is a dealmaker who made millions from investments. And many of his biggest deals came in partnership with prominent donors and politicians, creating a portrait over the years of a Washington insider who got rich as he rose to power within the Democratic Party.

McAuliffe is, at his core, a salesman -- and even called himself a "huckster" in his autobiography. In his bid for governor this year, McAuliffe is selling the idea that his uncanny knack for making money can bring prosperity to all Virginia. But at a time when public mistrust of millionaires and politicians is high, that strategy could backfire.

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Friday, May 1, 2009

Weekly Blog Roundup 5/1/09

Welcome to this week's installment of the Weekly Blog Roundup. Bloggers wrote about the wide variety of gubernatorial events this week, including multiple debates, Terry's support from Bill Clinton, and reflecting on Terry's Business Plan for Virginia.

At his blog The Daily Dogwood, Josh Chernila provided some afterthoughts on Thursday’s debate in Lyric, the first statewide debate sponsored by and for the netroots community.

Finally, McAuliffe is definitely the one to beat in this race. He is in the best position to take on McDonnell, has very strong and well-considered positions, and is really running by far the best campaign in Virginia politics this year. His common sense solutions will draw a stark contrast against McDonnell's radical ideology in the fall.

In a post at Virginia Tomorrow, Bob Holsworth commented on the two rallies held in Richmond and Roanoke on Monday at which President Bill Clinton came out to support Terry.

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Martinsville Vice Mayor Kimble Reynolds Jr. Endorses McAuliffe for Governor

Martinsville Vice Mayor Kimble Reynolds Jr. today endorsed Terry McAuliffe for Governor, citing his decades of experience creating jobs and turning businesses around. As Vice Mayor, Reynolds has helped to lead a city with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, today a daunting 20.2 percent, and has served in the city government since 2004.

"As Vice Mayor, I've seen first-hand what happens when jobs disappear and the unemployment rate climbs," said Reynolds. "I've called Martinsville home for a long time, and Virginians here are looking for a leader who will bring economic opportunities back to our city and open up new avenues of growth throughout the Commonwealth. I firmly believe that Terry McAuliffe will be that leader."

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Clinton touts McAuliffe at downtown Roanoke rally

May 1st, 2009
The Roanoke Times
Mason Adams and Michael Sluss

Bill Clinton came to Roanoke twice last year, campaigning first for his wife and then for Barack Obama.

On Monday, he was back in Roanoke again -- this time at downtown's Fire Station No. 1 in an appearance for his longtime friend and fundraiser Terry McAuliffe, who's running for governor.

While Hillary Clinton and Obama needed no introduction, McAuliffe is running as a candidate for the first time after years of high-power fundraising and strategizing for Democrats such as the Clintons.

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