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

Va. Candidates Clash In Final Debate of Democratic Primary

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

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

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

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

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

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

Almost 500 people watched the three men clash at Northern Virginia Community College's Annandale campus, as each sought to stamp a final impression in a race where polls show the majority of voters remain undecided.

With little daylight separating the three Democrats on most major issues, the debate, like the campaign, turned into more of a referendum on style -- and most notably on what McAuliffe described as his shoot-for-the-moon approach to political campaigning. Deeds and Moran have struggled for months to take attention away from the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, whose national connections and outsized personality have led to more money and more media exposure.

The two longtime legislators joined forces to suggest that voters should view as slick the claims of McAuliffe's well-funded campaign, at least in part because he boasts a thin record in Virginia politics. Last night, Moran picked up the theme in his first TV ad scheduled to run during the debate in Northern Virginia, followed by a week in Hampton Roads and Richmond.

In one exchange, Moran turned to McAuliffe and said: "I don't have time to teach you the legislative process, nor do Virginians have time for you to learn.''

In another, Deeds asked: "So, Terry, I get that you've paid for this campaign about big ideas, but now tell us how you'd actually govern -- and how would you pay for all these big ideas," Deeds asked.

Moran repeatedly questioned McAuliffe's claim that he had created 100,000 jobs -- which, he said, would put him in the category of creating more than Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Deeds questioned his promises, noting he has so far pledged to build a high school gym in Martinsville, pay off teachers' mortgages and loans, reform Medicaid and use his Hollywood connections to make Virginia the new film capital of the world.

McAuliffe made no apologies. He said his achievements outside of Virginia, including a string of successful business investments and sure-footed leadership of the national Democratic Party, show he can make good on promises and bring new ideas to a stalemated Richmond.

"You shoot for the moon,'' McAuliffe said. "John Kennedy didn't say we were taking a rocket halfway to the moon, he said all the way."

McAuliffe, Deeds and Moran are running to replace Timothy M. Kaine, a Democrat who is barred from running for a second term, in a closely watched race that could help determine whether Virginia will continue to trend in favor of Democratic candidates. This year's primary is the party's first contested gubernatorial nomination battle in more than two decades.

During the hour-long debate, hosted by The Washington Post and News Channel 8, the candidates made it clear that they agree on the need to boost the economy, create jobs, fund roads and transit and enforce immigration laws. They clashed on just two issues.

Moran opposes drilling for oil and gas off Virginia's coast, as a way to protect the state's tourism industry and the Chesapeake Bay. McAuliffe said he wants to explore for natural gas, though not oil, 50 miles off the coast. Deeds said he backs drilling as long as the state shares in the profits.

"Energy independence is a matter of national and economic security,'' Deeds said. "I don't believe any means toward achieving independence should be taken off the table. . . . That includes offshore drilling."

All three oppose same-sex marriage but said they would support some contractual relationships between same-sex partners, including the right to adopt a child.

Moran, who has tried to position himself as the most progressive candidate, was the most vocal in pledging to repeal the amendment that bans contractual relationships between same-sex couples. "I fought against that, I voted against it, I campaigned against it and unfortunately it passed," Moran said. "As governor, I will not rest until we repeal" it.

Deeds said he did not believe a consensus exists in the General Assembly to change Virginia law. McAuliffe said he would focus his attention on the economy.

The most lively part of the debate came when the three men were allowed to ask questions of each other. Both Deeds and Moran queried McAuliffe, a longtime McLean resident but a newcomer to state politics.

McAuliffe repeatedly told the audience he refused campaign contributions from Dominion Virginia Power, one of the most influential companies in the state. He said he made this pledge in part because the company is resistant to government-mandated use of renewable fuels. But Deeds called it a "little disingenuous" for McAuliffe to say he has not accepted money from Dominion, when he took individual donations from the company's executives.

"I can justify everything I've done," McAuliffe said as he tried to deflect the charges. And he returned repeatedly to his belief that the party needs unity.

"People are watching this debate saying, 'What are you going to do for me? How are you going to create jobs?' " McAuliffe said. "They're tired of this personal destruction and divisiveness."

Tags: annandale, brian moran, creigh, creigh deeds, debate, economy, energy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, moran, northern virginia community college, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

All the way to the moon

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

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

The Final Debate

The reviews are in. News outlets reported Terry was "unfazed," "jovial", "confident and carefree," while his opponents engaged in "McAuliffe bashing," "going after [Terry] with a bit of a vengeance" in their fifth and final debate. WTOP political analyst Mark Plotkin said Terry "definitely dominates at these debates - feels very relaxed, very comfortable, very much at ease." And The Hill ran with the headline: "McAuliffe emerges as leading candidate in VA primary."

The most telling moment of the afternoon occurred when Creigh Deeds disparagingly asked Terry how he planned to implement all the proposals he's put forward on the campaign trail. Terry was all over it. Taking the opportunity to reinforce his positive vision for growing Virginia's economy, Terry delivered the best line of the debate: "John Kennedy didn't say we're taking the rocket halfway to the moon -- it goes all the way to the moon. That's how I think."

VCU Professor Bob Holsworth observed "a bit of an irony" in Moran's and Deed's suggestion that Terry won't be able to follow through on his agenda:

Nationally, the Democratic Party has fared very well because it is the party of hope and not the party of no. Wasn't Bill Clinton the boy from Hope (Arkansas, that is)? And wasn't Hope Obama's real middle name?… Democrats have to ensure that in trying to defeat McAuliffe, they don't also run down the major rhetorical advantage they've had over the GOP in the last few years.

I obviously think Terry did great, but you should decide for yourself. We've posted the entire debate on our website, so definitely check it out.

First Attack Ad on TV

Yesterday afternoon, Brian Moran's campaign launched its first television ad. However, instead of using the spot to introduce Brian to voters, they launched a terribly misleading and viciously personal attack that unfairly characterizes Terry's record as an entrepreneur with 13 years experience running large organizations.

But we were ready. Within an hour of getting word about Moran's attack, we'd cut and released a response ad that sets the record straight.

The truth is that Terry is the only candidate in this race who's created thousands of jobs. Terry's been completely forthcoming about his business record, and reporters have taken an extensive look at it during this campaign. In this economic climate, Terry's record of turning around struggling institutions is precisely what we need from our next governor.

Criticism of Moran Radio Ad Mounts

Brian Moran's radio ad is taking a beating. It's deliberately designed to deceive voters into believing Terry opposed Barack Obama's candidacy last November - and in an article entitled, "Moran's Miscues in Virginia," the Annenberg Public Policy Center's Factcheck.org calls out the ad for its misleading claims. Noting that the ad doesn't provide adequate context when it mentions Terry's appearance on the Daily Show, the independent organization wrote that "McAuliffe never worked against President Barack Obama, or Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. And when last we checked, Clinton was serving as Obama's secretary of state, indicating there's been a burial ceremony for some old swords. Maybe Moran missed it."

Even Moran's own supporters are disgusted. Joel McDonald - a longtime Brian Moran supporter who blogs at http://vbprogressives.com - wrote that, "Spreading half-truths and rumors in a desperate attempt at shifting opinion about your opponent is not the way campaigns will be won this year." Noting that Moran's attack bears a striking similarity to the attacks Republicans waged against Obama, McDonald said, "For a campaign to truly use Barack Obama's influence, they have to campaign using his example."

The Home Stretch

Your support throughout this campaign has been incredible. You are directly responsible for everything that we've accomplished. And thanks to all of your hard work, I couldn't be more proud of the campaign we've put together.

But this election is still close. Anything could happen, and we're counting on you to help mobilize our voters on Election Day -- June 9th. So if you haven't done so already, please sign up to volunteer immediately.

Thanks so much for all your help.

Tags: brian moran, creigh deeds, debate, deeds, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, moran, obama, president obama, primary, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

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

50 Days

We've got just 50 days until the election, and I wanted to update you about two major events in the past week.

Yesterday marked the first official debate of the campaign - and Terry clearly proved why he's the strongest candidate to grow the economy as our next governor.

The truth is that any of our three Democratic candidates would make a far better governor than Bob McDonnell. But Terry distinguished himself by how he'll confront our challenges. Terry's the only candidate who'll bring executive experience to the governor's office. As an entrepreneur with over 13 years experience running large organizations, Terry's created thousands of jobs. He's released by far the most comprehensive Business Plan to move Virginia forward - detailing exactly how he'll get the job done. That's the kind of leadership we need to turn the economy around.

Terry focused on solutions for the future, not the legislative fights of the past. Just like Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Terry knows that not all good ideas come from Richmond. And that fresh approach allows him to bring people together and get things done. There are four more debates to come, so stay tuned.

The other major event from last week was Shad Planking. Every year, Virginians come together in Wakefield to enjoy fish, beer, and politics, celebrating the start of the campaign season. Our massive grassroots operation was out in full force. While the other two Democratic candidates chose to sit on the sidelines for the annual sign war, we took the fight to Bob McDonnell, and I wanted to share a video of the work we did.

Click Here to Watch Our Operation in Action at Shad Planking.

As the Daily Press reported the day of the event, "A wealth of signs is a show of strength that displays a campaign's hustle and resources." And from the moment the press arrived in Wakefield, it was clear who the victor was. As MSNBC reported, Terry "easily won the sign war at Shad Planking."

But even as we pulled our field staff from every corner of the Commonwealth in order to help with the effort, our dedicated volunteers managed to keep all 10 of our offices open and running. Filling over 200 shifts, our volunteers called more than 11,000 voters while the paid staff was away.

We continue to bring new people into the political process every day - and that's exactly how we'll win the nomination and beat Bob McDonnell in November. But we need your help to make it happen. Let's keep the momentum going these next 50 days.

Tags: debate, grassroots, gubernatorial debate, macker, mcauliffe, shad planking, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, wakefield

Va. Dems for governor spar at first debate

Bluefield Daily Telegraph
April 19, 2009

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s three Democratic candidates for governor traded barbs over campaign fundraising Sunday and differed on who is best qualified to build on the legacies of Gov. Tim Kaine and his predecessor, Mark Warner.

Brian Moran, Creigh Deeds and Terry McAuliffe touched on the economy, the death penalty, the state’s gay marriage ban and gun control during a 90-minute debate at the College of William and Mary. The debate is the first of five before the June 9 primary.

McAuliffe, the former Democratic National Committee chairman and chief fundraiser for the presidential campaigns of Bill and Hillary Clinton, was put on the defensive for raising the vast majority of his campaign funds from out of state.

“I’ve got a lot of friends,” said McAuliffe, whose donor list includes Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. McAuliffe has raised about $5 million, more than both of his opponents combined.

“Terry raises money in places I’ve never been — Park Avenue and Hollywood,” Moran said.

But Moran also had to answer for taking about $80,000 in contributions from defense contractors with business before a congressional committee that includes his brother, Rep. James Moran. Deeds asked McAuliffe if he thought those donations violated campaign finance laws.

“You should refer that to the U.S. attorney’s office, man, I can’t get into all that,” McAuliffe said.

Said Moran: “These are Virginia companies with Virginia employees who are protecting Virginians overseas and here at home.”

Deeds also targeted both of his opponents’ fundraising in his closing statement.

“Our party will no longer be the party of the middle class if our nominee for governor is beholden to Donald Trump or Wall Street executives or to tainted defense contractors, who have received millions in earmarks from an older brother in Congress,” Deeds said.

The winner of the primary will face former Attorney General Bob McDonnell, who is unopposed for the Republican nomination, in the general election. Moran and Deeds said that as state legislators, they supported Warner and Kaine’s initiatives while McDonnell largely opposed them.

But McAuliffe said Virginia needs a governor who, like Warner and Kaine, is not a product of the legislature. He said he has created thousands of jobs as a homebuilder and in other businesses — experience he said would help him do the same as the state’s chief executive.

“To say you are creating jobs as governor is not accurate,” Deeds said. “You create an environment for the private sector to create jobs.”

On specific issues, the candidates’ differences were nuanced. For example, all said they opposed Virginia’s 2006 constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions, but Moran said he would fight to repeal it. McAuliffe said “that’s just not going to happen” because it would require approval in two legislative sessions.

Deeds voted to put the measure on the ballot but said he voted against it.

None of the candidates flatly rejected the idea of raising the gasoline tax to raise money for transportation, although McAuliffe sounded more opposed than the others: “In a down economy, you don’t want to be taking more money out of people’s pockets.”

All three candidates said they support the death penalty and closing a loophole that allows people to buy firearms at gun shows without undergoing a criminal background check. They also vowed to make transportation improvements a priority — a goal that eluded Kaine during his four-year term.

Moran mentioned that he is the only candidate who opposes construction of a 1,500-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Surry County because of concerns it could worsen pollution of the nearby Chesapeake Bay. McAuliffe touted his proposal to generate power from windmills off the Virginia Beach coast.

The debate was sponsored by the Farm Team, an organization formed last September to promote the election of women to public office.

Tags: debate, fundraising, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

Campaign finances highlight Democrats’ debate

Richmond Times Dispatch
April 19, 2009
By Olympia Meola

WILLIAMSBURG -- Campaign contributions sparked the most pointed jabs today as the three Democratic gubernatorial candidates did little to highlight their policy differences in their first debate.

Former Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria, state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County and Terry McAuliffe of McLean, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, hit on a wide range of issues from the state's ban on gay marriage (they all oppose it) to teacher salaries (they all want to raise them).

During the largely civil 90-minute debate before an audience of 500 people at the College of William and Mary, some of the most heated discussion surrounded campaign finances.

Moran's fundraising report for the first quarter included $80,000 he collected from 18 contractors that are longtime backers of his brother, Rep. James P. Moran, D-8th, a member of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee.

Deeds asked McAuliffe whether those contributions violated federal campaign laws.

"You should refer that to the U.S. attorney's office," McAuliffe said.

Moran defended the contributions, saying: "These are Virginia companies with Virginia employees who are protecting Virginians overseas and here at home."

McAuliffe brought in cash from big names in the first quarter, including former President Bill Clinton and real estate mogul and reality TV star Donald Trump.

"Terry's fundraised in places I've never been -- Park Avenue, Hollywood," Moran said.

Deeds punctuated his closing remarks by saying the Democrats will not be the party of the middle class if the party's nominee is beholden to Donald Trump or defense contractors.

"We will have lost our way if we allow the Wall Street establishment or corrupt political establishment to control our agenda for the next four years," Deeds said.

The candidates all talked about fixing the state's transportation woes. Moran said that last year Deeds did not support the transportation proposal that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine called the legislature into special session to consider. Deeds backed a Senate plan that included a gas tax.

Moran said, "When [Kaine] needed people to stand with him . . . I stood with him at his press conference. I didn't see you there."

None of the candidates pledged not to raise taxes.

They showed a slight difference on guns -- Deeds supported legislation to allow concealed weapons in bars -- but they all support closing the so-called gun-show loophole.

All opposed the ban on gay marriage and civil unions but Moran said he would work to repeal it.

"Treating our gay and lesbian Virginians equally is important to me," Moran said.

McAuliffe said the ban would be hard to repeal because it would take two legislative votes in separate years. He and Deeds said their focus would be primarily on other things, such as job creation.

"What do the citizens of Virginia want their governor fighting on?" McAuliffe asked. "They need jobs."

The debate was sponsored by the Farm Team, whose mission is to recruit, mentor and elect women to public office. Andrea Mitchell, NBC news chief foreign affairs correspondent, moderated the event.

The Democrats have four more debates ahead of the June 9 primary. Polls continue to show has a hefty slice of undecided voters.

The Democratic nominee will face off in November against Republican Bob McDonnell.

Tags: civil rights, debate, fundraising, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, transportation, va-gov, virginia, williamsburg