Governor Rendell Releases Video in Support of McAuliffe

This afternoon, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell released a video discussing his support for gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe. Rendell announced his support for McAuliffe this morning, citing his expereience creating jobs and his plan for getting Virginia's economy back on track.

Governor Rendell's video can also be found here.

Tags: business, business plan, economy, ed rendell, endorsement, endorsements, governor, mcauliffe, rendell, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Endorsed by Governor Ed Rendell

Gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe was endorsed today by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell. Governor Rendell, who has created new jobs and championed higher wages for Pennsylvania's working families, cited McAuliffe's forward-looking Business Plan for Virginia as he announced his endorsement.

"Terry McAuliffe has the skills and the experience to be a great leader in Virginia," said Rendell. "Terry has an unparalleled ability to get things done and the executive record to prove it. Over the course of his career as an entrepreneur, Terry has created thousands of jobs, and over the course of his political life he has advocated for millions of working families. His Business Plan for Virginia lays out an excellent blue print to guide Virginia through these perilous economic times and open up new opportunities for Virginia families. He will be an asset to every Virginian in Richmond."

"I am honored to have earned Governor Rendell's endorsement," said McAuliffe. "As governor, I will put my executive experience to work for the people of Virginia. My Business Plan brings together the best ideas I have for getting this state back on track with the best ideas from across them Commonwealth. I look forward to turning those ideas into reality."

Governor Rendell's endorsement closely follows the endorsement of Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer this morning. McAuliffe's Business Plan for Virginia can be found at http://www.terrymcauliffe.com/businessplan.

Tags: business, business plan, economy, ed rendell, endorsement, endorsements, governor, mcauliffe, rendell, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Endorsed by Governor Brian Schweitzer

Gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe was endorsed today by Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, who joined McAuliffe on the campaign trail. At a stop in Arlington this morning where they greeted voters, Governor Schweitzer cited McAuliffe's long history as an entrepreneur and his record of creating jobs.

"As a businessman myself, I know that Terry's experience creating thousands of jobs and building successful businesses means he has the experience to get Virginia's economy moving again," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "I know what it takes to be a successful governor. In Montana we have created more new jobs at the highest wages and built the largest surpluses in the history of the state. I am confident under Terry's leadership Virginia will see those kinds of results."

"I am honored to have Governor Schweitzer's endorsement," said McAuliffe. "His accomplishments in Montana are outstanding, and I look forward to working with Governor Schweitzer and other governors across the country, swapping ideas, and building opportunities for our citizens, if I am elected governor."

Governor Schweitzer and McAuliffe also planned to make stops in Richmond and Charlottesville later in the day. Governor Schweitzer's endorsement is the latest in a series of endorsements that have included prominent newspapers, unions, elected officials, and Democratic activists. Each of these endorsers have noted that McAuliffe is the best candidate to defeat Bob McDonnell this fall and the best candidate to get Virginia's economy back on track.

Tags: brian schweitzer, business, business plan, economy, endorsement, endorsements, governor, mcauliffe, schweitzer, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Campaign Releases New Ad to Respond to Negative Attacks and Highlight Call for Lobbyist Reform

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new television advertisement in response to the false personal attacks levied by opponents. The ad highlights McAuliffe's experience as a business owner and his documented record of creating jobs. It also points out his bold plans to grow Virginia's economy by focusing on green technologies.

"In my own businesses, I've created thousands of good paying jobs. That's what this election should be about: creating jobs right here. That's why we've got to change Richmond," McAuliffe says in the ad. "Let's ban lobbyist gifts, so they can't stand in the way. Make Virginia a leader in renewable energy. And as governor, I'll make it my job to project your job.

The ad "One" will run on stations in the Richmond and Norfolk media markets. It can be viewed here: http://www.terrymcauliffe.com/articles/one.

Tags: attacks, business, economy, energy, jobs, lobbyist reform, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe

McAuliffe Campaign Releases New Ad Highlighting Business Plan and Big Ideas

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new television advertisement highlighting some of the main tenets of his business plan and his commitment to big ideas for Virginia's future.

"With Virginia families hurting, we need new ideas in Richmond. As Governor, I'll make Virginia a leader in renewable energy and create good jobs," McAuliffe says in the ad. "Some are afraid to think big, but President Kennedy didn't say we're going half way to the moon, he said we're going all the way. On June 9th I'd be honored to have your vote because are challenges our too big to think small."

The ad "Moon" will run on stations in the Tri-Cities, Richmond, Roanoke and Norfolk media markets. This is the campaign's 7th ad. It can be viewed here: http://www.terrymcauliffe.com/articles/moon.

Tags: business, business plan, ideas, macker, mcauliffe, norfolk, richmond, roanoke, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

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.

At the debate, he displayed a highly sophisticated knowledge of the issues most important to Virginians, which helps to invalidate the outsider image that has been perpetrated by some of his detractors (since the other two Democratic candidates, Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds, have spent time in the state legislature). And, in true form, McAuliffe delivered his policies on these issues with the flair and energetic charisma that have become his trademark.

The speech in Roanoke was no different, with McAuliffe constantly multi-tasking by juggling the difficult duties of playfully joking to members of the crowd, and delivering intellectually significant and easy-to-comprehend messages on policy.

And this energy has also inspired some of the most powerful figures in American politics. McAuliffe has long been a close political ally and friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton, evidenced by the fact that he served as national co-chairman of the Clinton-Gore 1996 re-election campaign, and that he ran Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. Prior to those roles, McAuliffe held a number of vital financial positions in Democratic politics, including Director of Finance at the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

McAuliffe also served as Chairman of the DNC from 2001 to 2005, a tenure which has sparked debate. Some point to Democratic losses in Congress and John Kerry's defeat in the 2004 Presidential campaign in assigning blame to McAuliffe. These criticisms couldn't be more off-base; McAuliffe spent his time as DNC Chair creating a new infrastructural outlook that has enabled the party to reach unprecedented levels of voters, and a more diverse and intricate network of voters.

Another example of McAuliffe's open and energetic style, and one that is most pertinent to the needs of the Virginia citizenry, is his 130-page 'Business Plan For Virginia'. The plan is broken down into five chapters: The major policy topics are energy, business development, education, economic security, and transportation. All of these issues are paramount in this time of economic turmoil and uncertainty.

Some of the highlights are his plans for the development of wind-turbine power off the Chesapeake Bay, specifically-defined changes in electricity law and smart incentives for businesses to relocate to Virginia, and his support for a passenger rail project that would connect Hampton Roads with Richmond and Washington.

However, perhaps as important as any of McAuliffe's plans for Virginia is his call for educational reform. If elected as Governor, McAuliffe proposes to make significant improvements in early childhood education, college affordability, and technical and vocational programs in the state's numerous community colleges, which would train young people for the 21st century jobs that he plans to help create.

At the end of the day, it seems to me that the current political environment is one of action and engagement. Those might be the best words to describe President Obama's time in office so far - from direct public outreach through videos explaining his decisions, to the actual measures he has taken, which have been designed to attack our biggest problems as quickly and aggressively as possible.

And, if energy and activity are the status quo in American politics at the moment, I doubt we will encounter any candidate more suited than Terry McAuliffe to be the commonwealth's next commander-in-chief.

Tags: business, debate, education, energy, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

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In 1985, Terry McAuliffe helped found the Federal City National Bank, a small community bank that was designed to serve the Washington, DC area. Terry said he got into the banking business because he wanted to "do what a bank is supposed to do. Work for the depositors." Federal City opened a year later.

At the beginning, the bank struggled to turn a profit. While the bank's assets grew, in its first year the bank lost $513,000; the next, it lost $471,000.

In 1988, Terry was elected the chairman of the bank, making him one of the youngest people ever to be elected chairman of a federally chartered bank. His goal was "to make Federal City National Bank one of the nation's most innovative, aggressive and fiscally sound financial institutions."

As chairman, Terry took immediate steps to turn the bank around. He replaced the president and added four new directors. By the end of 1989, Federal City National Bank reported its first annual profit of $280,000. The president of the bank, Clyde Smith, said more stringent loan requirements and better workouts of nonperforming loans spurred the turnaround.

Federal City's turnaround was remarkable in another sense: the Washington, DC-area was overbanked and the cost of doing business in the District was a lot higher than doing business in the suburbs. Large banks were overtaking the smaller banks. Yet during this time, Federal City was able to establish itself. A headline in October 1990 read "Federal City profits buck banking trends." A month later, the Washington Business Journal noted "Federal City National Bank is currently one of the most profitable institutions in the District." Indeed, Federal City had the second highest return on average assets of any bank in the District of Columbia. One bank analyst noted, "It's incredible the way these guys have turned this bank around."

By 1991, the Savings and Loan crisis was in full swing. The economy was in recession. Federal regulators were forcing banks to increase their capital and write down loans and even seized some banks. All 11 DC-area banks that started in the 1980s were facing trouble. One investment source noted, "With the number of banks out there looking to raise capital, coupled with the problems in the industry and the regulatory environment they have to operate under--they'll just never do it. There are just too many better ways to invest your money." In spite of this climate, Federal City National Bank did not close. Rather, it was able to merge with a larger bank and stay in operation.

Terry McAuliffe's leadership at Federal City National Bank is a good example of what type of governor he will be. He took over the bank at a time when it was struggling. His vision and ability to bring new people and new ideas helped turn the bank around. And he did not quit when times were tough. He stayed and saw the bank successfully merge. That bank is still around today.

Tags: ad, business, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tv ad, va-gov, virginia

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

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."

"Terry looked out for us," former bank employee Melinda Taylor says in the ad. "He made sure we had jobs."

McAuliffe was 30 years old and, at that time, one of the youngest people ever elected chairman of a federally chartered bank

"I've spent 4 decades building businesses and creating jobs," says McAuliffe in the ad. "As Governor, I'll make it my job to protect your job."

The television ad will run on stations in the Richmond, Roanoke and Norfolk media markets.

The ad and supplemental document "Federal City National Bank - A McAuliffe Success Story" can be viewed here.

Tags: ad, business, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tv ad, va-gov, virginia

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.

With continued economic uncertainty ahead, Virginians know that the next few years are going to be tough, and they want Virginia's next governor to build on the great legacy of Mark Warner and Tim Kaine: governors who brought business and executive experience to Richmond, but who also know that not every good idea comes out of the legislature in Richmond. Virginians want another governor who knows that it's not about politics; it's about results.

I started my first business when I was 14, paving driveways so I could pay for college. Since then, I've built successful companies and helped turn around struggling ones -- learning firsthand what it takes to create good jobs and balance a budget.

When it comes to fixing our economy, there's no such thing as a Republican job or a Democratic job; it's about bringing people together to create good jobs. That's the kind of leadership I believe in, and that's what it's going to take to get our economy moving forward again and to build on the progress we've made over the past seven years.

I believe that in government, just like in business, you need a plan to succeed. I've unveiled my business plan, a detailed plan with strategies to move Virginia forward and bring jobs back to the commonwealth. It is a roadmap to making Virginia a leader in the green economy, making Virginia a more attractive place for businesses with the most future growth potential and supporting our existing businesses, making sure our families can afford the necessities of a good life, investing in human capital so that Virginia families can hold good jobs with good wages and good benefits, and improving our state's transportation infrastructure.

Each chapter addresses a different strategy we must pursue in building Virginia's economy, but my Business Plan was developed as a whole, and it recognizes that these issues and strategies all must work together to add value and create jobs in Virginia.

As governor, I'll wake up every day using my experience as a businessman and an executive to get our economy back on track so we can start investing in education and health care again.

I'll make it my job to protect your job, to grow the economy, and to make Virginia a leader in renewable energy. I'll focus on long-term transportation solutions, and work to give our children the best education so they have a chance to pursue the American dream right here in Virginia.

I'm the only candidate in this race who has created thousands of jobs. I'm the only candidate who brings the same kind of business and executive leadership that Mark Warner and Tim Kaine brought to the job. I'm the only candidate who hasn't been part of the partisan bickering in Richmond. And I'm the only candidate who has a comprehensive business plan that incorporates the ideas of people all over the commonwealth.

But this campaign isn't about me. It's about you. That's why we've built a grassroots campaign to get more people invested in our efforts for the future. That's why we need more like-minded people in the House of Delegates to help us get these things done. I'm proud that our campaign has over 3,000 volunteers and 14 field offices open across the commonwealth. Because at the end of the day, I want a campaign and an administration that includes people from all over Virginia.

Joining together has never been more important. We are facing great challenges here in Virginia and we need a governor who can rev up the economy. Vote for me on June 9th and we'll be one step closer to getting Virginia headed in the right direction.

Tags: business, business plan, economy, grassroots, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

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.

The only way we are going to fix our economic crisis and create jobs is with big bold ideas and outside-the-box thinking. And that is exactly the kind of leadership Terry will bring to the governor's office.

In his private business ventures, Terry's jumpstarted companies and structured deals that were mutually beneficial to the parties involved. As governor, we can count on him to use that same go-get-'em attitude to bring jobs to the Commonwealth. The fact that Terry knows so many business leaders personally will only enhance his ability to sell companies on the benefits of locating their operations in Virginia.

Throughout this campaign, Terry's stayed positive, and remained focused on the issues. At town halls across the Commonwealth, he's answered every tough question that's been asked of him. No one has been more accountable to Virginians about his record and agenda than Terry McAuliffe. He wouldn't have it any other way.

We only have 36 more days to communicate Terry's message of economic opportunity across Virginia. You've been there every step of the way, and we're counting on your help until the very end.

Read the Washington Post article on TerryMcAuliffe.com. Then get more facts about Terry's experience creating jobs.

Tags: 2009, business, economic growth, economy, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac, va-gov, virginia

Why I’m with Terry

Augusta Free Press
April 17, 2009
Chris Graham

You want to know where Terry McAuliffe had me? You could say at hello. “You can’t keep cutting, and you can’t raise taxes. So we’ve got to get a new economic engine going here in Virginia, and we’ve got to get a plan going. Where do we want to be 10, 20, 30 years from today in our economic strategy? We can’t just think, We’ve got to get through this current crisis.”

That was McAuliffe at a stop on his statewide announcement tour back in January in Harrisonburg. Since then he’s been rolling out his Business Plan for Virginia, detailing how Virginia needs to approach its energy future, transportation and public education with economic development and growth in mind.

To harken back to one of McAuliffe’s political mentors, it really is the economy, stupid. And to borrow from something U.S. Sen. Mark Warner said in a town-hall meeting Thursday in Staunton, we’ve had enough of politicians who are full of policy pronouncements and promises galore on the issues of the day and conclude by promising oh, yeah, I’m going to lower your taxes, too.

This is what I see out of our tired old Virginia Republican friends, who have been reduced to a pitiful caricature of their former commonsense conservative selves in recent years with their kowtowing to their small but vocal ultralibertarian faction on state spending. Their We Haven’t Met a Spending Cut We Wouldn’t Like philosophy works fine when cuts are made in areas where efficiencies are an issue, for example with the Virginia Department of Transportation that Mark Warner inherited from George Allen and Jim Gilmore that was consistent only in that it couldn’t get jobs done on-time or on-budget.

We’ve been a couple of years at least since we had cut our way through the fat to the muscle of state government, and now we’re beginning to saw through to the bones at the heart of the skeletal structure of state government, with no end to this otherwise pointless exercise in sight, unless you assume that one day the government-haters are successful in disbanding the very bonds of civilized society altogether.

McAuliffe’s approach to looking to economic growth as the way to move Virginia forward isn’t unique in the telling - even Bob McDonnell will tell you that his is a pro-business agenda - so the devil isn’t so much in the details as in looking at the candidates who would be our governor and examining their business backgrounds. Doing that, McAuliffe stands not only head and shoulders above the candidates in the gubernatorial field, including McDonnell on the Republican side, but really stands alone. McAuliffe has not only balanced budgets with an eye to the bottom line, but he has had to carry the responsibility of growing revenues by growing business in a way that no one with experience only in a government or corporate bureaucracy could ever understand.

I understand it. I wake up every morning wondering how my business is going to make it to tomorrow, and devising strategies to get to tomorrow and six months and a year and 10 years from now knowing that failure is not an option.

As a small businessman, I look at this hire, of the next governor of Virginia, as being perhaps the most important hire that we Virginians will make in a generation. We’ve got critical needs to address in transportation, K-12 and higher education and our economy that we have been delayed from addressing fully the past eight years by our libertarian Republican friends who can’t see beyond the noses on their faces much less see the damage that we’re doing to the future of our Commonwealth. We need to hire as our next governor someone who has the background that tells us that he will hit the ground running knowing that we don’t have a day to waste if we’re going to keep moving Virginia forward.

That’s why I’m endorsing Terry McAuliffe for governor. Because frankly, we don’t have the luxury of screwing this one up.

Tags: business, business plan, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, taxes, terry, terry mcauliffe, transportation, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Releases New Ad Highlighting New Energy Ideas

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new television advertisement highlighting his ideas for harnessing new energy technology to create jobs and promote a cleaner environment throughout the Commonwealth.

"As Governor, I'll put my experience investing in the alternative energy field to work for all of Virginia," says McAuliffe in the ad. "We'll attract new business, create thousands of renewable energy jobs, and together we can build a stronger economy and a clearner environment."

The television ad will run on stations in the Richmond and Hampton Roads media markets. The ad can be viewed at http://www.terrymcauliffe.com/articles/new-tv-spot-highlights-new-energy-ideas.

Tags: ad, business, hampton roads, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, renewable energy, richmond, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tv ad, va-gov, virginia

Gubernatorial hopeful McAuliffe calls for a payday-lending ban; other Democrats follow suit.

April 3, 2009
Richmond Times-Dispatch
Jeff E. Schapiro

Terry McAuliffe is starting a pile-on by Democratic gubernatorial candidates of the high-interest instant-loan industry, proposing the state kick out payday lenders.

"We need to shut them all down; they only shove people into worse economic conditions," McAuliffe said yesterday.

McAuliffe's two foes in the June 9 primary echoed his proposal, though both Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County and former Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria voted in 2002 to open Virginia to payday lenders.

"They prey on the people in the weakest financial condition and put them in an even worse position," said McAuliffe, a McLean resident and former chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

The proposed ban on payday, car-title and open-ended loans, all of which carry triple-digit interest rates, is included in McAuliffe's latest economic package.

Focusing this time on ways to guard an individual's finances, McAuliffe also urged protecting home ownership; making it easier for low-income Virginians to plan for retirement and helping college graduates pay off their loans.

Through press secretary Brooke Borkenhagen, Deeds signaled his support for closing the state to cash stores and related lenders.

"When Terry was doing his out-of-state fundraisers, Creigh was in the Senate, working on this issue," Borkenhagen said.

Jesse Ferguson, Moran's spokesman, said: "Brian has been, and continues to be, an opponent of the payday-lending industry."

And while Moran's "Homeowners' Bill of Rights" includes a ban on predatory and deceptive lending, he has accepted about $25,000 in contributions from payday and car-title lenders and check-cashing companies, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

Rather than tougher limits on what lenders can charge -- for example, the industry says a 36 percent cap could drive it out of business -- McAuliffe wants Virginia to join about a dozen states and prohibit the lenders altogether.

In Virginia, payday lenders have spent millions of dollars on lobbying, political contributions and advertising to stop or slow additional restrictions.

The 2009 General Assembly blocked an end run by lenders on a clampdown enacted the previous year. About three-quarters of the state's 800 cash stores used a loophole in state law to offer higher-interest open-ended loans.

McAuliffe said he would crack down on financing practices that generate additional profits for mortgage companies at the expense of homeowners, such as penalties for early payments.

McAuliffe also said recent college graduates should be able to erase some of their loans through a service program that, among other things, steers teachers into areas where they are badly needed.

Tags: business, economy, macker, mcauliffe, payday lenders, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe takes on health care, college and retirement...

April 2, 2009
The Shad Plank
Kimball Payne

Terry McAuliffe trotted out the latest chapter in his expanding business playbook on Thursday, offering up ways to improve access to health care, make college more affordable and put folks on a path to happy retirement.

McAuliffe, running for governor against Democrats Sen. Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran, continues to put ideas on the table at a steady pace. Under the proposal put out on Thursday, McAuliffe suggests allowing unemployed workers access to low-income loans to pay for health insurance when companies go out of business and they have no option for COBRA insurance.

On higher education, McAuliffe wants to create a "Scholars for Service" program similar to the one that Barack Obama talked about on the campaign trail. College students willing to teaching in high-need areas or work in under-staffed professions for two years would be eligible for four-years of loan forgiveness.

The third leg of the proposal is aimed at helping Virginia workers save for retirement and also helping first-time homebuyers. McAuliffe said the state should set up a "Commonwealth IRA that would allow small employers to offer a voluntary retirement savings program to their employees."

McAuliffe is going to tour the state to promote the plan so you can probably expect an event in Hampton Roads. But if you want to read the whole thing Click here.

Tags: business, business plan, economy, education, health care, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, retirement, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

Highlighting Need for Economic Security, McAuliffe Unveils Third Chapter of Business Plan for Virginia

Following up on chapters that focused on making Virginia a renewable energy leader and creating good jobs across the Commonwealth, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe today unveiled the third chapter of his Business plan, which highlights his plans to strengthen the economic security of Virginia families. McAuliffe highlighted his support for making healthcare more affordable, increasing access to higher education, and ensuring that Virginians' retirement savings are secure.

"Our economic struggles have not been evenly distributed around Virginia – some communities, some industries, have been hit much harder than others," McAuliffe said. "But Virginians everywhere can see what is happening, and they wonder how it may affect them. State government cannot solve all of our problems. But it should be an ally to the aspirations and goals of its citizens."

Pointing to the one million Virginians without health insurance, McAuliffe emphasized his support for state level health care initiatives to improve the quality of care, reduce unnecessary spending, and begin to control the ever-increasing cost of health care. McAuliffe pledged to expand access to affordable health coverage by providing low-interest loans to help unemployed workers purchase health insurance when companies go out of business and they have no COBRA option. These loans can help individuals and families maintain coverage while unemployed and allow for a favorable repayment schedule when re-employed. McAuliffe said he would also allow the unemployed – as well as any individual or employer – to buy into FAMIS, FAMIS Plus or other health plans when such plans would be a more affordable option.

"As healthcare costs continue to rise, more and more families are unable to afford coverage, or opt to risk dropping coverage to afford other basic necessities," McAuliffe said. "While reform unfolds at the federal level, we must take actions on the state level to rein in health care costs and increase access to affordable health care for recently unemployed Virginians."

Discussing the need for a homegrown, well-educated workforce, McAuliffe pledged to make higher education more affordable for all Virginians. McAuliffe said he would create a "Scholars for Service" loan forgiveness program, whereby for two years of commitment to service, such as teaching in a high-need area or working in an under-represented profession, students would be eligible for four years of loan forgiveness. He also called for improving the the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP), by better marketing to high school students early in their school careers and, most importantly, guaranteeing a certain level of assistance for any student based on need and who successfully completes the requirements.

"We must do all we can to prepare our citizens for that future, including making sure they are educated and trained to take on the jobs of the future," McAuliffe said. "Achieving some level of post-secondary education is critical to our economic success collectively as a commonwealth, as well as individually as citizens and families who are striving to achieve the American dream."

Finally, McAuliffe pledged to increase retirement security by reducing barriers to pension participation and portability. Discussing the need for workers to save for retirement, McAuliffe said he would establish a Commonwealth IRA that would allow small employers to offer a voluntary reitrement savings program to their employees. McAuliffe also proposed allowing workers in private businesses to participate in the Commonwealth's Deferred Compensation Program, which is currently offered to state employees and would deduct money from a participating worker's paycheck and invest in options chosen by the employee like any typical deferred compensation plan.

McAuliffe plans to discuss these proposals, as well as to elaborate upon his ideas for assisting homeowners and first-time homebuyers with voters throughout the Commonwealth in the coming weeks. You can find the full chapter online at http://www.terrymcauliffe.com/file_download/6/chapter3.pdf.

Tags: business, business plan, economy, education, health insurance, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, retirement, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, unemployment, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Calls for Making Virginia Top Destination for Film Production

Meeting with members of Virginia's film industry, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe today discussed the second chapter of his Business Plan for Virginia, which focuses on creating jobs across the Commonwealth, and his support for growing Virginia's film industry. McAuliffe pledged to make Virginia a top destination for the film industry by increasing tax incentives for film production, creating a highly-trained film industry workforce, and ensuring that all state agencies do their part to support the film industry in the Commonwealth.

"Even with the recent economic downturn, the film industry is one of the few sectors of our economy that is expected to see continued growth. Not only do film productions have an immediate positive effect on business sectors across Virginia, including housing, retail stores, and restaurants, but they also promote the Commonwealth's $18 billion tourism industry," McAuliffe said. "When the HBO miniseries John Adams was produced in Virginia, the total state investment in the project was only $1.25 million. However, the project was responsible for 3500 jobs and $80 million in direct spending in Virginia. Now that's a good return on investment!"

Pointing to aggressive media promotion and incentive programs in 39 competing states, McAuliffe said that Virginia must continue to increase funding for the Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. McAuliffe proposed meeting the incentive levels in competing states like Georgia and South Carolina by offering film production companies the chance to recoup up to twenty percent of their Virginia purchases and payroll costs through a cash rebate or a transferable tax credit. McAuliffe also called for creating a Virginia Filmmaker's Program, which would offer cash grants to support Virginia-based independent film productions and invest in film programs, like the program at George Mason.

"One of the best resources we can have to recruit film productions to the state is a highly-trained film workforce," McAuliffe said. "Our film programs create the next generation of Virginia's film personnel and, in doing so, grow our economy both now and in the future."

Finally, McAuliffe emphasized the need to create a friendly environment within state government to support film opportunities in Virginia. He pledged to issue an Executive Order directing all state agencies to do their part to support the film industry in the Commonwealth. Specifically, he would direct agencies to make office and facility space available for administration, production, and filming needs, free of charge, for qualified, high-quality films (as determined by the Film Office).

Tags: business, film industry, film production, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tourism, va-gov, virginia

Terry McAuliffe Has More Energy Than You

April 1, 2009
Loudoun Independent
John L. Geddie

If Terry McAuliffe (D) isn’t our next governor, it will not be for lack of effort. In the midst of a daunting travel schedule and after releasing truly ambitious business and energy plans for the Commonwealth, he still maintains an energy level that those of us ten years younger would be hard pressed to match.

Last Thursday, I had the chance to sit down with the former Democratic National Committee Chair and would-be Governor of Virginia at his offices in McLean. He was on a tight schedule and our meeting was scheduled tightly between two conference calls. Even on a day complete with media where McAuliffe had explained his new plans in painstaking depth, his optimism was infectious.

A video recording of this interview is available online at www.loudouni.com.

McAulifee seems perfectly happy to concentrate on the two issues most in need of assistance—the economy and transportation. Both issues have been are familiar to Northern Virginia voters—having been at the core of every election for the past several years. For some reason though, when McAuliffe says he can fix it—you really do believe him.

As a businessman himself, McAuliffe’s plans include a revitalization plan keyed to each section of the Commonwealth. It also relies on the expansion of Green jobs and a healthy dose of tax incentives to keep business in Virginia and lure it from other regions.

Look for my analysis of the McAuliffe’s published plan (and a comparison to the plans puts forth by other gubernatorial candidates) in next week’s Independent.

It’s ironic that McAuliffe is seeking to replace Democrat Tim Kaine (D) as Virginia governor. Four years ago, there positions were reversed. McAuliffe was acting as DNC chair when he made the nearly unprecedented decision to donate large sums of money into the Virginia governor’s race as part of his strategy to prove that Democrats could still be competitive in the south. Partly because of McAuliffe’s foresight, Kaine won the governor’s race.

Four years later and Kaine is chairman of the DNC and Terry McAuliffe is working to replace him as Virginia’s governor—in an attempt to keep the statehouse firmly in Democratic hands. It’s a big job, but he’s definitely got the energy and enthusiasm for it.

Tags: business, business plan, economy, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, transportation, va-gov, virginia

Weekly Blog Roundup 3/27/09

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

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

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

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

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

At Blue Virginia, Lowell also provided commentary on a recent editorial about Terry in the Richmond Times Dispatch. He agrees with the Times-Dispatch that Terry’s campaign is about big ideas and serious solutions for Virginia.

Isn't that what primaries are supposed to be all about? The RTD clearly believes the answer to that question is "yes": …A well-known aphorism (or perhaps a bromide) contends that small minds discuss people, average minds discuss events, and great minds discuss ideas. Petty personal attacks and cheap zingers will appear with more frequency as November approaches. But if it is too much to call McAuliffe a great mind, then at least his substantive pitches have raised expectations and pointed the way toward a different, more high-toned campaign.

At Blue Commonwealth, Alan Krishnan praised Terry’s business experience and discussed the details of Terry’s Business Plan for Virginia.

McAuliffe has the most business experience of all the candidates running for Governor and admittedly he has demonstrated the most success in setting up and turning around businesses, and making millions for himself out of his many business ventures. Can he do this for the Commonwealth of Virginia? I reviewed Chapter 2 of the McAuliffe Business Plan for Virginia, and I believe he gets it. McAuliffe understands what Virginia needs and he recognizes that there is no one size fits all solution.

Also at Blue Commonwealth, Brian White wrote a post describing the amount of grassroots support Terry has behind his campaign. He witnessed the sheer number of volunteers that were working hard for Terry when Brian stopped by the Virginia Beach campaign office.

When I dropped into Terry McAuliffe’s Campaign office in VA Beach to get in some phone banking Monday evening there were no available phones…Don’t get me wrong, Terry had plenty of phone lines, but there were so many citizens out mobilized, working hard for the campaign that I simply had to wait my turn… those that knock on doors, make phone calls, work the polls, serve as precinct captains and organize our local party committees are squarely behind Terry McAuliffe... who is running (no surprise to anyone) a wildly organized, extensive and exciting campaign early in this primary.

Belle Rose of Coarse Cracked Corn reported on the candidates filing to run for Governor of Virginia this week. Thanks to Terry’s overwhelming grassroots support and volunteers, he was the first to file petitions to run.

Terry McAuliffe became the first Democratic gubernatorial candidate to file petitions for the June 9 primary. He filed 17,243 signatures with the State Board of Elections yesterday. Jody Wagner filed 17,858 signatures for lieutenant governor. It is a bit of "race" to file first - which should earn McAuliffe and Wagner top spots on the ballot and a bit of publicity this week.

In a diary at Daily Kos, Sora Dina talked about how Terry’s Business Plan for Virginia will can help her start her own business. After considering the potential of all three gubernatorial candidates, Sora Dina finds that Terry is the only candidate with a comprehensive plan that addresses her concerns of being a small business owner.

Virginia's next governor should establish policies to help anyone living in Virginia begin and establish a business and to make that dream become a reality… only one candidate has posted a comprehensive business plan on his website that addresses specific areas of concern to me as a potential woman business owner…In Chapter Two of his business plan Terry McAuliffe has included ways to help small businesses succeed and encourage entrepreneurs.

Beach Boomer endorsed Terry in a post at Blue Commonwealth this week, saying that despite being tired from fully investing his time in 2008 campaigns, Terry has motivated him to get involved in 2009.

But this man - Terry McAuliffe - was one who had impressed me during an earlier campaign effort with the vitality and enthusiasm he exhibited on a 24/7 basis. Should he be elected Governor, I had no doubt that the Commonwealth would benefit from four years of tireless promotion of Virginia's interests. And we, the citizens of the Commonwealth, would be the beneficiaries…This enthusiastic Virginia Beach Grassroots Activist strongly supports McAuliffe for Governor. And many of my most dedicated volunteers join me in support of a man who will make intelligent, pragmatic decisions that benefit all Virginians.

Tags: 2009, bloggers, blogs, business, business plan, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, virginia, weekly blog roundup

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

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

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

McAuliffe said he would increase transparency by developing a "dashboard" of indicators to measure women- and minority-owned business participation in state contracts that would be posted online. The "dashboard" would help improve the participation of these businesses in state contracts by tracking performance and holding the state accountable for improving participation rates. McAuliffe pledged to create a small business Ombudsman in the Department of Minority Business Enterprise for responding to complaints received by the agency from small, women, and minority-owned businesses. The Ombudsman, who would sit on McAuliffe's Jobs Creation Council, would provide technical advice and assistance to help these businesses resolve problems and questions; report small, women, and minority-owned business concerns and recommendations to the appropriate agency head; and help these businesses move through the state's permitting process for new development. In addition to helping existing women- and minority-owned small businesses, McAuliffe emphasized the need to expand entrepreneurship programs at Virginia's institutions of higher education, particularly at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and community colleges.

"Giving individuals the tools they need to build a successful business is one of the best ways we can grow our economy," McAuliffe said. "By educating aspiring entrepreneurs at our institutions of higher education, we can make sure that the next generation of small, women, and minority-owned businesses flourish."

Tags: business, business plan, economy, macker, mcauliffe, small businesses, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, virginia, women

George Washington Birthday Parade with Terry

Yesterday on President’s Day, 70 of Terry’s supporters came to the George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria to honor our nation’s greatest Presidents. Supporters gathered outside the Alexandria Democratic Committee headquarters on South Royal Street, where they donned Team Terry T-Shirts and handed out stickers and signs to Alexandria residents. An hour before the parade began, Terry and Dorothy and their five kids, Dori, Jack, Mary, Sally, and Peter, arrived and greeted supporters. Also at the parade was Finnegan McAuliffe, Terry’s loyal golden retriever.

Once the parade began, Team Terry marched down the parade route chanting “New Energy! New Jobs!” Team Terry passed out candy, bumper stickers, and fortune cookies to spectators. These specialty fortune cookies were a popular commodity -- when you open them up, messages reading "High-speed rail" or "Jobs" or "Renewable energy... is in your future." The parade was a great opportunity for Virginians to meet Terry and his family in person, and be introduced to his vision for creating good jobs and growing Virginia’s economy. Terry will continue to travel all over the Commonwealth listening to the concerns of Virginians who desperately need to get this economy back on track.

Tags: 2009, alexandria, business, dorothy, economic, economy, george washington, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, nova, parade, plan, president's day, small business, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

Tell me what you think

As you probably know, I'm not shy about telling people what I think. But in this campaign, I've been doing a lot of listening.

As I kicked off my candidacy, I held town halls across the Commonwealth so you could ask me about the experience I'd bring to the governor's office. And now, I'm traveling around the state to hear from people about their ideas for getting our economy back on track.

Last week, I held economic policy roundtables in Norfolk and Martinsville so I could hear from local business and community leaders about their ideas about how to grow our economy. And I'm going to do the same thing in every region of Virginia.

Good ideas come from all corners of the Commonwealth, not just Richmond. But sadly, not enough people in the legislature are actually listening. I want to change that. Today, I'm taking the conversation online. So let me know, if you were governor, what would you do to get our economy moving?

With the right leadership, I know we can attract the jobs of the future and still make essential investments in education, health care, and transportation that will keep Virginia the best managed state in the nation.

But it's important to remember that political power isn't rooted in the legislature or the governor's mansion. It starts with people like you. And unless we've got the will of the public to make the bold changes necessary to grow our economy, we won't do much to stop the obstruction that we too often see out of the legislature.

This campaign is about you, and it won't be a success without your input.

Tags: 2009, business, economic, economy, governor, hearing, ideas, jobs, listening, macker, mcauliffe, plan, small business, t-mac, telling, terry, terry mcauliffe, thinking, va-gov, virginia

Transportation

Terry McAuliffe understands that we need to start thinking long term on transportation. He knows there must be an honest discussion about transportation funding. But Terry also believes we need to figure out where we want to be ten, twenty, or thirty years down the line and start to lay the groundwork for that, even if we can’t do it all today. Governor Kaine has made record investments in rail and public transit and he has better connected land use and transportation planning – in twenty years, we’re going to look back at the changes he’s made and truly understand their importance.

We need to continue down this path, focusing on high-efficiency methods for moving people and goods. We need a high-speed rail line that would connect the major urban areas of Virginia with one another. And we need to start talking about it now. We can team up with Virginia corporations through public-private partnerships to get this done. It’s a smart investment for them, would create jobs, and get more people off the roads.

We need to see the Dulles rail project through – and then we need to think about what other communities we can connect to Metro. We need to improve transit in Hampton Roads, including transit that moves people across the water. We need passenger rail that connects more parts of Virginia together, and we need to get more freight off the highways and onto the rail system.

Terry knows that this can’t be done in four years, but as long as we have leadership that thinks big and doesn’t let the size of the challenge put the solution out of reach, we don’t have to wait to set goals and take the first steps toward these solutions.

There are also some things we can do right now to help our transportation problems. These are things we can fix right now, that don’t require a lot of money, to make everyone’s lives just a little bit easier.

For example, those warning signs all along I-95 and I-64 would be far more useful if the lights weren’t out half the time. Terry wants to get those fixed. Or, if you’ve ever driven on I-81, you’ve probably found yourself stuck behind two trucks driving side-by-side, backing up traffic for miles. Terry wants to make all trucks drive in the right hand lane so people can actually get around them. These are some ways to help ease the pain in the short-term, while we plan for a longer-term solution to our transportation problem.

Tags: 2009, business, congestion, economic, economy, governor, high-speed rail, i-64, i-95, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, plan, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, traffic, transportation, va-gov, virginia

Education

Virginia is not going to be able to attract and sustain jobs of the future if we don’t have a workforce that is ready for those jobs. Right now, we know those jobs are in the energy field. But in 50 years, it could be something different. In this fast-paced, global economy, teaching to the test is not enough. Our students need to learn how to innovate and think critically. This will serve them well in five years and in fifty years.

In recent years, other countries have made advances in education while our system has remained essentially the same. In this global economy, it is not enough for our students to just be able to take a test. Terry McAuliffe believes that while it’s important for our students to have basic knowledge, we need to look beyond multiple-choice questions and teach them how to think.

There are some steps we can take to get there.

One of the most important things we can do to help our children live their lives to their fullest potential is get off to the right start. Governor Tim Kaine has made significant investments in early childhood education, and Terry believes we need to continue this progress and invest even more in pre-k. Ultimately, if a child is ready for school, he or she is far more likely to be successful upon entering kindergarten and less likely to get into trouble down the road.

Terry also knows that Virginia has to do more for our teachers. There needs to be a focus on attracting and retaining bright individuals to teaching. The federal and state government continue to place demands on teachers but with little to no incentive to stay and do a good job. It’s no wonder nearly half of teachers these days leave the profession within the first five years. Virginia must pay teachers at least the national average.

And finally, in the area of higher education, any student who wants to go to college should have that opportunity. Virginia’s colleges and universities have a lot to offer – many are doing innovative research that could lead to great economic development opportunities. Terry believes we need to help our institutions of higher education capitalize on research. Ultimately, the result will be more dollars for colleges and universities and more opportunities to keep tuition low and offer scholarships.

Tags: 2009, business, classrooms, economic, economy, education, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, plan, schools, t-mac, teachers, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

Energy

We need to realize where the jobs of the future are and work towards making Virginia the leader in creating them. Terry believes those jobs are renewable energy jobs.

Terry believes that we have got to plan now for a green energy future. Virginia’s technology sector can make huge gains in the green economy over the next 10 years, and with agriculture and forestry as our #1 industry, we have tremendous potential to grow biofuels and create new markets for our farmers. Virginia needs to partner with the federal government, the private sector, and our colleges and universities to help make Virginia a leader in renewable energy.

We all realize that we need to fight global warming and compete in the emerging green sector – but realizing it isn’t enough. We need our next Governor to plan boldly and make things happen.

Terry believes that Virginia ought to have a strategy to increase use of renewable energy. We know that we can’t continue to rely on traditional sources of energy. We should be increasing state support for the development of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Not only will this reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but it will also create thousands of new jobs across Virginia.

There are some initial steps we can take toward the long-term goal of increasing use of renewable energy and creating jobs. For example, right now Virginia has a voluntary standard for power companies to produce 12% of their power from renewable energy sources by 2022. Terry believes that there must be a mandatory standard. It creates renewable energy jobs; it’s good for our environment; and it helps the energy companies make money in the end.

Another step we can take is converting organic waste into energy. There’s no reason why poultry farmers, for example, should have to pay people to haul waste away. Too often it ends up in our waterways. Converting waste into energy would allow farmers to be paid for the waste instead of paying others to take it away. And, it would create a clean and affordable Virginia-based energy for consumers, while helping to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and other Virginia watersheds.

Terry believes that Virginia can become a leader in renewable energy, and these are just a couple of ways to get us there.

Tags: 2009, biomass, business, economic, economy, energy, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, plan, renewable, solar, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, wind

A Business Plan for Virginia

All over Virginia, people are anxious. Like everyone else in America, Virginians are nervous about the economy. This is not a Democratic, Republican or Independent issue. This is a Virginia issue.

In every corner of the Commonwealth – in rural, suburban, and urban areas – unemployment rates are rising, homes are being foreclosed, and people’s life savings are diminishing. And all signs indicate that next year is going to be even worse – perhaps the worst year since the Great Depression. Virginians are worried.

But Virginians also know that the best days are ahead. They know that the next few years are going to be tough, but they are ready to get to work and build a better future for their children. They need a governor who can bring an energetic, fresh, creative approach to solving problems and building a stronger economy… a governor who comes to the job with the right kind of experience to take on some very tough challenges.

Governors Tim Kaine and Mark Warner have done a great job of leading Virginia through both good times and bad times. Thanks to them, Virginia has been named the Best Managed state in the country two times in a row. Virginia has been named the best state for business and the best state in which to raise a child. And, once again, Virginia has obtained a Triple A bond rating from every ratings agency.

Now, with what we’re facing in the next few years, people want a governor who, like Governors Warner and Kaine, brings the right kind of executive background to the job and who understands that not all good ideas come from Richmond. A governor who, like Governors Warner and Kaine, knows that it’s not about politics – it’s about RESULTS. That’s what it’s going to take to get our economy moving forward again and to build on the progress we’ve made over the past seven years.

Terry McAuliffe knows that in Virginia, just like in a business, there needs to be a plan, with clear long-term and short-term goals, to help us get back on track. We need to think about what Virginians need right now, but we also need to think about what we’re going to need down the road in 10, 20, or 30 years. Instead of thinking about short-term band-aids, we need to set goals for the future and then figure out what steps we need to take to get there. What we need is a Business Plan for Virginia. A plan that deals with all aspects of state government and helps all Virginians get back on track.

Terry McAuliffe has drawn from his experience as a businessman and from his conversations with Virginians to lay out a few thoughts here. Check back over the coming weeks as Terry rolls out his business plan for Virginia to see more.

Tags: 2009, business, economic, economy, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, plan, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Announces "Economic Roundtables" to Be Held Across Virginia

For Immediate Release: February 6, 2009

Ensuring input from all parts of the Commonwealth is included in his business plan for Virginia, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe announced today that he will hold a series of Economic Roundtables in every region of Virginia in the coming months. Meeting with business and community leaders, McAuliffe will discuss his vision for the future economic vitality of the Commonwealth and also hear from them about how to get our economy back on track.

With Virginia facing unprecedented economic challenges, the roundtables will focus on a wide range of issues affecting the economy, including attracting new jobs to the commonwealth, education and workforce training, improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, and investing in renewable energy technologies to create green jobs. When the economic policy roundtables conclude, McAuliffe will unveil a series of policy initiatives, including ideas collected from his discussions across Virginia.

“Over the coming months, I look forward to continuing my conversation with Virginians about the direction they want the Commonwealth to move in,” McAuliffe said. “I believe the best ideas don’t always come out of Richmond. The next governor of Virginia must look to every corner of the Commonwealth when it comes to solving the problems that face us.”

Prior to announcing his candidacy for Governor, McAuliffe traveled across the Commonwealth, talking with and listening to Virginians about the direction they want the state to move in. Later, when he kicked off his candidacy, he held 25 town halls, where he discussed the need to have a “business plan” for Virginia and continued to listen to what Virginians had on their minds.

McAuliffe’s Economic Roundtable series will kick off with a Small Business Economic Roundtable in Norfolk and a Job Creation Economic Roundtable in Martinsville.

Monday, February 9
11:45 AM
McAuliffe Holds Small Business Economic Roundtable
The Garden Room
The Murray Center
455 East Brambleton Ave.
Norfolk, VA 23510

Tuesday, February 10
1:45 PM
McAuliffe Holds Job Creation Economic Roundtable
Virginia Museum of Natural History
21 Starling Ave.
Martinsville, VA 24112

Tags: 2009, business, economic, governor, job creation, jobs, martinsville, mcauliffe, norfolk, policy, roundtables, small business, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe’s goal: fixing Va. economy

Culpeper Star-Exponent
By Nate Delesline III
January 15, 2009

Coffee and friendly jabs marked Culpeper’s first taste of the 2009 race for governor.

About 40 people filled Raven’s Nest coffee shop to meet Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe on his first appearance here since announcing his bid for governor last week.

McAuliffe, 51, of McLean, joins fellow Democrats Brian J. Moran, a former delegate from Alexandria and state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County on the party ticket. Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell is only Republican running.

A prominent, longtime player on the national political scene, McAuliffe said Thursday’s stop in Culpeper wasn’t his first and wouldn’t be the last.

“No one will outwork me — I promise you that,” McAuliffe said after speaking for about 45 minutes at the downtown business.

During his remarks, McAuliffe, a businessman and entrepreneur, said his executive experience would translate well as governor, helping him to achieve key goals of creating more jobs and rebuilding Virginia’s economy.

“I just left Martinsville where unemployment is 15 percent,” he said. “As governor, I don’t want to see my people leaving going to another state to look for work. I promise you I’ll create more jobs than 49 other governors,” he said, the crowd breaking into applause.

When democratic nominations are made in June, McAuliffe said he thinks his business experience and policy initiatives will set him apart from his fellow Democratic candidates.

“I don’t like to say it’s me versus them,” McAuliffe said. “That’s not how I’ve led my life. It’s my ideas, and you have to judge everybody by themselves.”

“We’ve got great candidates running,” he continued. “I never say a negative thing about another Democrat.”

There were a few friendly jabs at Republicans, though, including Commonwealth’s Attorney Gary Close, who was among those attending. However, the two exchanged greetings and a handshake as McAuliffe departed.

Head of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 until 2005, McAuliffe said the fact that traditionally Republican Virginia carried President-elect Barack Obama in November’s election shows that people want solutions, not rhetoric.

Responding to a question, McAuliffe also indicated that the state should change legislation that prevents local governments from making many of their own funding and spending decisions.

“Not every good idea comes out of Richmond,” he said.

“If you’re looking for someone to go shake it up, think out of the box, not stuck with all the partisan fighting in the legislature … if you’re interested in a guy like that, consider voting for me.”

Culpeper Democratic Committee Chairwoman Anita Hartke, who lost a bid against incumbent Republican Eric Cantor for his 7th District congressional seat in November, thanked everyone for attending and restated McAuliffe’s ideas on jobs, transportation and education.

“These are the things that Barack Obama and our new senator Mark Warner are pushing,” Hartke said. “We have an opportunity to have another great election to bring a great governor to the state of Virginia.”

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