Weekly Blog Roundup 6/5/09

There are only 4 days until Election Day, and the blogs are buzzing over who looks like the best candidate to win the Democratic primary. Bloggers are praising Terry for being the only candidate to take a bold stance against special interests. More have recently come out with endorsements of Terry, while other supporters have been discussing polls and recent news coverage.

At Blue Virginia, Lowell reported on Terry's recent endorsement from Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, providing a post with commentary and a second post with video of the endorsement event.

A top-notch endorsement for Terry McAuliffe, following Ed Rendell's endorsement earlier today...Chris Cillizza adds that Schweitzer's endorsement "sends a message that not only does Schweitzer think McAuliffe will win next Tuesday's primary (otherwise, why fly in from Montana to stand with a potential loser) but also that McAuliffe represents the best chance for Democrats to keep the seat in the fall election." Nice.

Ben Tribbett shared a video on his blog, Not Larry Sabato, featuring a profile of Terry from the ABC Election Special. The video talks about Terry’s campaign, features a sit-down interview with Terry, and even a comment from Tribbett himself.

Lowell at Blue Virginia reports on the latest SurveyUSA poll this week that shows Terry still in the lead in the Democratic primary.

Another day, yet another poll, this one showing Terry McAuliffe leading by 6 points, 35%-29% over Creigh Deeds, with Brian Moran trailing at 26% (the other 11% remain undecided). Too close for comfort, as far as I'm concerned, but I'd certainly rather be in Terry's position than in Brian's right now (ahead in the poll plus a far better GOTV operation plus advertising superiority leading up to June 9)….Regarding the race against Bob McDonnell, I believe that current polls are not the most helpful (given that McDonnell has a unified Republican Party while the Democrats are still fighting it out)…

At Blue Commonwealth, editor KathyinBlacksburg wrote an endorsement of Terry, believing he will be an extraordinary governor.

Evidence of Terry's energy for Virginia is everywhere. You can see it in the entries to political events awash with bright McAuliffe signs. You can see it in his impressive field operation. You can see it in the bounce of his step, the uplift of his voice and the gusto with which he exclaims about the mundane. Nothing is too trivial to be taken for granted. However, I believe Terry can bring marathon-like energy for the long haul too, the four years he'll have to put Virginia back on track and mover her forward. Terry doesn't do things half-way, but throws himself into whatever he takes on and he'll do likewise for Virginia. …"A force of Nature" is an oft-heard description of Terry…This is not a small "vision" time. It will take much more than the standard small-change efforts and tweaks around the margins to bring our economy back, replenish state coffers, and bring back the morale of voters, including state employees, who always take the brunt of every shortfall or political whim (such as "no car tax"). It is, as Barack Obama likes to say, our moment. But it is a moment of crisis. And that moment requires a "force of nature."

At Blue Commonwealth, Jen Little also wrote a diary endorsing Terry, explaining her tough decision after knowing the other candidates personally.

I don't want to be stuck in the political "box." The "box" that is Richmond politics as usual, and those inside the "box" are content with how things work. I see myself as more of teetering on the "box's" ledge I want more. I want to be inspired. I want to know that there will be an end to the fiscal pinch we are all feeling in local government and our homes. I want to know that if I work hard I will stay employed, have heath insurance, keep my house, and not disrupt my daughter's dreams for the future. I want to know that in some way Virginia belongs to us, and that we can work together to make it a better place to live work and play. That's when I really started to listen to Terry McAuliffe. … Terry McAuliffe is the candidate who fills me with hope and inspiration. At the end of the day, it is about what is best for Virginia, and Terry has the fresh - outside of the Richmond "box" - perspective to bring those big ideas to fruition to benefit all Virginians.

At Daily Kos, alankrishnan wrote a diary discussing why Terry stands out on ethics reform in the gubernatorial race, with his bold pledge against special interests.

With only a week for the Democratic primaries on June 9th, the pace is increasing and every call, every door knocked, and every conversation will make a difference. …I support McAuliffe because he stands head and shoulders above the other candidates. In public life, McAuliffe has a clean record and the allegations against him in his business life have all proved false. He is much maligned by his detractors, and now we should be objective and vote for him. Of the Democratic candidates, McAuliffe has the best record on Ethics Reform. McAuliffe is the first candidate to propose a ban on gifts from lobbyists to Virginia elected officials… McAuliffe pledged not to take contributions from Dominion Power Corporation and its PAC… McAuliffe pledged not to take contributions from payday lending companies - and has stood by the pledge… McAuliffe pledged not to take contributions from any company receiving Federal Bailout Money…

Tags: bloggers, blog roundup, blogs, brian schweitzer, economy, ed rendell, endorsement, endorsements, energy, ethics, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, polls, rendell, schweitzer, special interests, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, weekly blog roundup

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.

And at Blue Virginia, Lowell provided a statement from Norfolk Young Democrats Vice President, Alexander Palmer, on why he recently decided to endorse Terry.

…After finally considering Terry, I realized he was in fact the most likely candidate to realize his agenda…Terry's relationships with political and business leaders around the nation can ensure that he can realize his agenda of improving Virginia and providing jobs. …Terry is also very well versed in the situation here in Virginia. Having attended a handful of events sponsored by his campaign and having seen him speak personally on three occasions, I can attest that Terry knows a great deal about the problems facing the Commonwealth….Terry is best suited for the job of Virginia's next governor. His enthusiasm and commitment to the party are something to be valued, as well as his numerous bold initiates. As a result of this, he has won my endorsement.

At Blue Commonwealth, teacherken reported on Terry’s endorsement from the 32BJ chapter of SEIU.

SEIU is well-noted for the ability to put boots on the ground. It is also a union with a high percentage of minority members…In a primary situation, the additional votes they can turn out could be critical.

Also writing on the endorsement, Josh Chernelia adds:

Macker momentum continues to build. Go Terry!

President Bill Clinton has been campaigning with Terry again this week, and Lowell at Blue Virginia has been tracking each stop. In Herndon, he shares a report from Mary Lee Cerillo who was there to support Terry.

The event today was fabulous. Weather was picture perfect. Crowd was lined up to get into the event as far as the eye could see. President Clinton spoke about what it was like when he was a Governor and the abilities that it takes to govern a state. He praised Terry McAuliffe and felt that he would be a fabulous governor for Virginia. Delegate Ken Plum spoke to the crowd about why he is endorsing Terry McAuliffe and feels that he has the best chance of winning in November. Terry expressed the importance of bringing jobs to Virginia and stated that he would work hard everyday to achieve that goal. I was glad I was able to attend and was pleased with the turnout and enthusiasm with the crowd and union members.

Sora Dina also attended a Bill Clinton and Terry McAuliffe rally in Annandale, and wrote about it in a diary at Blue Commowealth.

President Clinton also told the crowd something that I didn't know before. He said that Terry McAuliffe's father came from a working class background and never made more than $30,000 a year in his lifetime. It's amazing how far his intelligent son has come from that humble background. ...Terry McAuliffe, the gubernatorial candidate, spoke next. He told how proud he was to receive the recent endorsements from the League of Conservation Voters, the police union, SEIU and other endorsements. He spoke of his big ideas to bring jobs through alternative energy to Virginia, his education, transportation and other policies outlined in his "Business Plan for Virginia" posted at his website www.terrymcauliffe.com. ...I was excited and encouraged to see both of these very intelligent men lead the fight for Democratic victory both in the primary on June 9th and again in November.

Rachel, a Virginia mother who writes her own blog called If It Takes A Whole Life, wrote about visiting Terry and will.i.am at The Camel in Richmond on Monday, along with her son who shared a snack with the two.

We gave Gabriel the bag of goldfish on the way into the bar, slapped a campaign sticker on his shirt and made our way toward the crowd of folks waiting to meet the two headliners. Since Gabriel was the only kid in the joint, he stuck out. It wasn't long before he was in McAuliffe's arms. Our child, of course, remained completely unphased in the spotlight. In fact, he continued munching his goldfish as his mama (and a whole buncha journalists) paparazzied him with photos. Now, I can't remember whether McAuliffe asked for a fish (Gabriel's a very good sharer!) or Gabriel offered, but next thing I know, Gabriel's hand is in McAuliffe's mouth and he's feeding the former chair of the DNC lots of little fishies. Everyone ate it up (pun intended).

At Daily Kos, alankrishnan wrote about a good night out at the Clarendon Ballroom to see will.i.am and Biz Markie supporting Terry McAuliffe.

The music was preceded by a very inspiring speech. …will.i.am was profuse in his words, acknowledging what he has learned over the years from McAuliffe and why he now supports the candidature of McAuliffe to be the next Governor of Virginia. …Towards the end of his speech, McAuliffe appealed to every one to unite on June 10th and help the Democratic nominee fight Bob McDonnell. McAuliffe should surely win the award for "playing cricket" in Virginia Democratic nominee politics - maintaining the highest possible standards and not just not saying negative things about his candidates, but actually saying positive things about them, almost to the point of campaigning for his opponents!

At his blog The Daily Dogwood, Josh Chernila wrote about Tery’s well-organized, on-message campaign and his strong leadership skills that are essential for Virginia’s next governor.

The total of the McAuliffe campaign's success can be seen in the growing consensus. It ranges from national and local media down to just plain regular folks. It's the consensus that the Virginia Democratic primary has a leader named Terry McAuliffe, and chances are, he'll be Virginia's next Governor. You can buy staff. You can buy great communications. But an emerging sense of leadership excellence can't be bought, that's something you have to earn.

Tags: bill clinton, bloggers, blog roundup, blogs, business, economy, herndon, macker, mcauliffe, norfolk, seiu, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, weekly blog roundup, will.i.am

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.

[Clinton] said that McAuliffe’s background as an entrepreneur and a businessman was precisely the right kind of experience that Virginia needs today… McAuliffe obviously possesses excellent candidate skills. He’s put a critically important issue- jobs and economic recovery- at the heart of his campaign. He exhibits the kind of energy and enthusiasm that convey a sense that he not only really wants the job, but that he’ll work 18 hours a day if he gets it. And, as one reporter told me, he has far more depth than a background as a fundraiser normally implies.

Lowell at Blue Virginia reported on the support for Terry at last week’s Virginia Education Association debate in Hampton.

From today's Washington Post, it looks like Terry McAuliffe's message is playing well with teachers -- at least ones who attended last Thursday's Virginia Education Association debate at the Hampton convention center: “But it was Terry McAuliffe who appeared to convert the hall, earning sustained applause and bringing some delegates to their feet by tying each education-related question to his campaign's central theme: As a successful businessman, he knows how to create jobs.”

On Blue Commonwealth, diarist Sora Dina associated speaking to children about college with Terry’s ideas for strengthening Virginia’s education in his business plan for Virginia.

Terry McAuliffe wants to encourage creativity and innovation in the classroom, expand the availability of online Advanced Placement courses, and continue to prioritize transitions between high schools and colleges, and between two-and four-year colleges, ad between returning college students and the workplace….After reading chapter four "Excellence in Virginia's Education from Early Childhood to Competitive Employment" in its entirety, it is clear that the third through fifth graders I spoke to will have a better opportunity to reach their educational and career goals and objectives under Terry McAuliffe's leadership as Virginia's next governor.

At Blue Virginia, Lowell also reported on the meet and greet event held at our Virginia Beach field office, where Congressman Bobby Scott came out to introduce Terry.

On a sunny afternoon, folks from all across South Hampton Road forfeited the beautiful weather for an opportunity to meet and talk with Terry McAuliffe when he stopped by his Virginia Beach Field Office for a Meet and Greet….The enthusiasm from Terry was equally matched by the enthusiasm from the voters. He couldn’t go more than a couple of minutes without applause breaking out from the listeners, cheering on his big ideas to keep moving Virginia Forward.

Tags: bloggers, blog roundup, blogs, business plan, clinton, debates, economy, education, macker, mcauliffe, scott, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, weekly blog roundup

Weekly Blog Roundup 4/25/09

This week bloggers had much praise for Terry, with topics ranging from the fifth part of his business plan, the first gubernatorial debate, visiting with supporters throughout the commonwealth, to numerous endorsements.

Lowell at Blue Virginia had positive things to say about Terry’s fifth chapter of his comprehensive business plan for Virginia, which focuses on transportation issues in the commonwealth.

Transportation is an absolutely crucial issue for Virginia, which is why I've been eagerly awaiting the release of Terry McAuliffe's "business plan" for transportation. I've been reading through it, and so far I like what I'm seeing...Thank you, Terry McAuliffe, for recognizing that we can't keep on doing things the same way we've been doing them in the past and expect to get different results.

Dan Sullivan also analyzed the gubernatorial candidates’ various business plans over at Blue Commonwealth. He compares the candidates on a number of issues, coming to a conclusion that all of the Democrats outweigh Bob McDonnell.

McAuliffe desires to make Virginia a destination for clean energy and clean tech businesses and researchers…Terry too has taken aim at helping Virginians, particularly those who are losing health care benefits as a result of the recession. ….The central question using this method is whether the potential governor has an integrated economic plan that will build toward the ends that represent progress and growth.

On The Huffington Post, Mike Smith lauded Terry’s performance in the first debate at William & Mary last week, arguing that Terry is the only candidate who can beat Bob McDonnell in November.

McAuliffe won on issues of business, job creation, transportation, environmental and energy issues. He has a "business plan" for Virginia. He promotes wind energy and using market forces to increase production. He has a smarter plan for regional transportation including high speed rail from DC to Richmond and beyond… But most importantly, McAuliffe has 3,000 volunteers, a sophisticated grassroots network rivaling national candidates for public office, and more money…Most importantly, only McAuliffe can keep Virginia blue and beat Bob McDonnell this fall.

Arjun Jaikumar also reported on the primary debate in a diary at Daily Kos, in which he analyzed the performance and style of each of the candidates.

His campaign has been singularly focused on job creation, and he was very much on message yesterday... He's very knowledgeable and articulate on the issues, and oddly enough, he sometimes looks better when he's being "wonky". McAuliffe can command the spotlight easily enough; he needs to make certain he has the gravitas required of the governor as well.

At Blue Commonwealth, Dan Sullivan reported on Terry’s recent stop in Williamsburg to talk to supporters.

He delivered an upbeat, detailed update on the issues he is emphasizing in this campaign and assailed the Republicans on turning down the $125,000,000 to support the unemployed (among other things). After answering a variety of questions, much to the enjoyment of those gathered, it was clear that many more were leaving as McAuliffe supporters than arrived. Then he was off to William and Mary for another gathering.

On his blog Rick Howell Speaks, Virginian Rick Howell talked about the importance of Terry’s recent endorsements from Walter Fore, Bo Driskill and other Lynchburg Democrats.

Terry McAuliffe has wrapped up some impressive endorsements from the Lynchburg Democratic Committee, people who might well have been expected to support Creigh Deeds if McAuliffe hadn't entered the race... Now before you say, "Lynchburg Democrats? Who cares?," you should know: The Lynchburg Democratic Committee has developed into one of the best and most active Democratic party committees in all of Central Virginia…Terry McAuliffe pulled off a nice coup in Lynchburg; and it's not good news for the other two candidates.

Reporting on other endorsements, Lowell at Blue Virginia wrote about the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers’ endorsement of Terry.

Yet another union - joining the Boilermakers, Firefighters, and AFSCME - is throwing its weight behind Terry McAuliffe for Governor. Looks like we've found our pro-labor, pro-working people's candidate in this race! Today, Local 1 of Virginia, Maryland, and DC of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers announced that it and its over 700 members in the state of Virginia have endorsed Terry McAuliffe's campaign for Governor. Citing his decades of experience creating jobs and turning around struggling businesses, BAC Local 1 said McAuliffe is the gubernatorial candidate best suited to get Virginia's economy back on track.

Tags: bloggers, blog roundup, blogs, business plan, debate, endorsements, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, transportation, weekly blog roundup, williamsburg

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.

Kyle Blankenship at Blue Commonwealth expressed his pride in being a Terry supporter, after discussing the gubernatorial race with a friend. He notes how Terry's positive campaign is making a difference and points out the attraction to Terry’s smarts and his ability to win the race.

He specifically pointed out his green energy policies and positive campaign style. I can say that I am proud to be a McAuliffe supporter for the same reasons, and many more.

Lowell at Blue Virginia reported on Terry’s conference call last week, in which over 6,000 supporters called in to hear what Terry had to say. Terry answered questions from callers on his campaign promises and the things he plans to get done as Governor.

He's determined to take back the House of Delegates. He will focus on jobs, jobs, jobs. He strongly supports pre-K education. He strongly supports biodiesel from...yeah, you guessed it, chicken waste! How can any fair-minded person possibly argue that Terry McAuliffe is not a progressive?

Bob Holsworth at Virginia Tomorrow details the results of the straw poll at Gerry Connolly’s St. Patrick’s Day event in Fairfax. He praised Terry's grassroots organization as a key factor in winning the greatest support.

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%... McAuliffe’s performance at the straw poll illustrated the organizational skill of his campaign.

Josh at Blue Commonwealth reports on Terry’s two recent pledges on the campaign trail: to not accept corporate or corporate PAC contributions from companies receiving federal bailout money nor contributions from Dominion Power.

This week, in response to the AIG bonuses scandal Terry McAuliffe pledged not to take tainted campaign contributions: "I won't accept any corporate or corporate PAC campaign contributions from any companies receiving federal bailout money."

At Blue Virginia, Dan Sullivan explains why he supports Terry for Governor, saying he wants what is best for Virginia and believes Terry is just that.

I will support whomever is the Democratic nominee. However, I believe that Terry McAuliffe can best carry the case for Virginia. By the way, he has a plan that looks to be actionable. We will benefit from this fellow who doesn’t know how to take no for an answer.

Patrick R. Riccards guest-posted on the education policy blog The Edurati Review, where he explained why Terry is the only choice for improving Virginia’s education. He discusses Terry’s dedication to strong early education programs, and the positive effect that good school systems can have on a state’s economy.

The recognition, passion, and commitment for change in Virginia has never been stronger than it is today. We need a leader who will continue moving forward, strengthening our P-20 system and demonstrating return on investment for every education dollar spent across the Commonwealth. Terry is such a leader. Terry is the education governor we need at this time of both opportunity and challenge. Terry McAuliffe is our best hope for a stronger future, both in the schools and in our communities.

Tags: bloggers, blog roundup, blogs, education, macker, mcauliffe, straw poll, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, weekly blog roundup

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.

Terry wrote a post about his new Business Plan for Virginia at several blogs, including DailyKos. On Wednesday he unveiled his plan to grow our economy by investing in renewable energy in Virginia, incorporating ideas from people like you throughout the Commonwealth. Readers appreciated his posting on blogs and joining in the conversation.

“I give him full credit for at least coming in and having a dialogue; especially on energy policy, which isn't discussed cogently enough, IMO.”

At VBDems, Dan Sullivan wrote about Terry’s visit to Old Dominion University labs where he spoke about his commitment to building a green economy. He commented on Terry’s dedication to keeping cutting-edge technology right here in Virginia.

That's the kind of thing McAuliffe says we have to do. We've got to shake it up or else we are all going to be sitting here three years from today and our taxes will have been raised and our budget cut, and nothing will have happened. "I'm not into nothing happening. I want action, I want changes, I'm excited and I think we can do it."

Lowell at Blue Virginia reported on Terry’s endorsement by former US Representative Owen Pickett.

Pickett represented the Hampton Roads area in Congress from 1987 to 2001, remains highly respected, and should help Terry McAuliffe in that crucial "swing" region of the Commonwealth. Congratulations to Terry McAuliffe on gaining Owen Pickett's endorsement.

In a post at BlueCommonwealth, Dan Sullivan wrote about Dorothy McAuliffe, who spoke to supporters in Virginia Beach. Sullivan noted the high level of energy of the McAuliffe campaign.

And there is something else that is unusual for those of us who have struggled through the lean years of Democratic politics at the Beach. That positive attitude is part of this campaign’s culture. Last night it was evident as some 85 volunteers turned out at the office to meet and greet the team. This is primarily to observe this: that Terry’s spirit and optimism are part and parcel of the culture of this campaign. His hand is evident in the types of people he has attracted and selected to organize and manage this effort…He might possess the art required to recognize and achieve the possible along with the power of personality and persuasion to make it happen.

Alankrishnan wrote a post at BlueCommonwealth on why he believes Terry is the only candidate who has the right kind experience to grow Virginia’s economy.

Over the years, Terry has demonstrated his out of the box thinking and achieved more than most people in the United States…Terry is the only candidate with national and international reach so essential today for Virginia businesses to export their products and services to other parts of the United States and the world at large. Terry is the only candidate with the reach to invite and attract businesses around the country and the world to consider Virginia as a destination for new investments and expansion in the United States.

Tags: 2009, bloggers, blog roundup, blogs, business plan, economy, endorsements, mcauliffe, pickett, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

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.

At Left of the Hill, Bryan wrote about the Democratic candidates disagreeing with Bob McDonnell’s push for oil drilling off Virginia's coast.

He tried to act as though he was the one trying to spur job creation, but the Democratic candidates saw right through the move as a political stunt… Terry McAuliffe also recognized that McDonnell was trying to score some political points with the Sarah Palin wing of the Republican Party and claimed that "we must focus more on bipartisanship and less on ideology."

On DailyKos, Arjun Jaikumar aka brownsox wrote about Terry’s visit to Rockingham County to talk to farmers and scientists about new sources of renewable energy. Arjun also noted the ‘hazards’ that come with getting hassled by people on the campaign trail.

McAuliffe ended up taking a picture with Myron and his family…with the anti-Terry sign proudly featured, at McAuliffe's own insistence. He even gave him a signed copy of his book… It's doubtful that this episode swayed any primary voters, but it's nice to see candidates - and activists - who don't take themselves too seriously and can have a laugh with the other guys on occasion.

Tags: 2009, blog roundup, bob mcdonnell, brownsox, chris guy, economic growth, economy, governor, jobs, left of the hill, lowell, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac, va-gov, virginia