I don't want to get sidetracked away from the elections on November 4, which are crucially important to the future of our country. However, I noticed a number of items pertaining to Virginia 2009 contests that I thought were worth noting.
1. Tim Craig writes that "McAuliffe Muddles 09 Race." According to Craig, "a McAuliffe bid would send a signal that the Virginia Democratic Party is maturing." An interesting point. Craig also writes that "Deeds would probably be the early front-runner in a three-way race for governor," because Moran and McAuliffe could wind up "potentially splitting the vote" in Northern Virginia, where they both live.
2. Chris Cillizza weighs in about a possible McAuliffe candidacy (Cillizza calls him "The Macker"), wondering "whether McAuliffe can recreate the hybrid appeal of Warner -- equally able to sell himself to northern Virginia liberals and southwestern Virginia conservatives." Cillizza adds that McAuliffe could "raise massive amounts of money to finance his bid, well in excess of what either Deeds or Moran -- and maybe both of them together -- can collect."
3. Terry McAuliffe is busy campaigning in Virginia for Barack Obama. For video of McAuliffe's speech to Chesterfield County high school students yesterday, click here.
4. Over at NLS, "Not Gretchen Bulova" reports that Jody Wagner's "original plan was to enter the [LG] race in December, after the budget was taken care of, but that her hand was forced when her opponent started running months ago." NGB also reports that Wagner "referred to Jon Bowerbank as someone who had just 'inherited a bunch of money.'" On the latter point, I know Jon very well, am consulting to his campaign, and talk to him all the time. I can categorically state that this is NOT true - Bowerbank did not "inherit a bunch of money." To the contrary, Bowerbank earned it through education, hard work, and starting and running his own successful business. Period. On the first point, I find it fascinating that Wagner claims "her hand was forced" by Bowerbank. If this is true, Wagner would appear to be very worried about Bowerbank's candidacy, certainly giving it a great deal of power over her. If this is not true, one other possible explanation could be that this is just a smokescreen, and that Wagner REALLY resigned early as Finance Secretary because she knew the horrendous budget deficit numbers ($2 billion? $3 billion) coming down the pike, and decided to skedaddle before the manure hit the fan. Either way, though, there's no truth to the "inherited a bunch of money" comment.
UPDATE: I just saw this at nvdaily.com.
Del. Brian Moran, D-Alexandria, told a crowd of 150 Shenandoah County Democrats on Thursday that Virginia is in play in 2008, rallying the troops for the last push toward Election Day.[...]
A three-way race "doesn't change any calculus for me," Moran said.
"I've been very proud of my legislative record, and my record of getting Democrats elected," he said.
"Terry will have to compare his record here in Virginia with mine and Creigh Deeds'," he said. "I don't think it compares favorably."
Terry McAuliffe entering the race "doesn't change any calculus?" Something tells me, no matter what else happens, THAT won't be the case. :)
Notwithstanding the famous aphorism of Mark Hanna, at some point more money loses meaning.
Also, regarding this statement:
"a McAuliffe bid would send a signal that the Virginia Democratic Party is maturing."
I have to confess, I have no idea what the Hell this means.
Both Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds are intelligent, accomplished people who have worked hard and done a lot of good for the people of this state. Is Craig trying to say that now that Virginia is turning purple, we'll be seeing more carpetbaggers? How is this a sign of maturity?
I have a good opinion of both Moran and McAullife. Most important to me would be the man who is more likely to be able to win.
Would you care to post pros/cons of either them running for governor of VA next year?