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."

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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."

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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.

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"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.

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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."

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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.

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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."

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