Strongest

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

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

Weekly Blog Roundup 6/5/09

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McAuliffe Visits Eateries, Talking About Jobs

The Free Lance-Star
June 4, 2009
By Chelyen Davis

Terry McAuliffe may be the first candidate for governor to ask Grady Spades to lift his shirt.

Spades, who works at Jack Brown's Tattoo Revival and has a number of tattoos, was at the bar in Sammy T's downtown restaurant yesterday when McAuliffe came in to do some campaigning.

"Did that hurt?" McAuliffe asked, pointing to the tattoos on Spades' arms. "You got the back, too? Stomach?"

Within a minute, McAuliffe had Spades raising his shirt to show off the tattoos.

He ended by pressing stickers and brochures into Spades' hands, arguing that even though Spades lives in Maryland, he could be a billboard for McAuliffe.

"I'm running for governor. I need your help, brother," McAuliffe said. "Jobs!"

McAuliffe, one of the three Democrats running for that party's nomination for governor in next week's primary, was in town to do some campaigning among the lunch crowds in Caroline Street restaurants.

He shook hands, sat down briefly with diners, questioned a banker about the solvency of his bank (just fine, the banker said), petted a dog, cajoled a potato chip off a 3-year-old, pressed leaflets and stickers into hands, and extracted promises of support.

For most people in restaurants or on the street or, in the case of one couple, passing by in a horse-drawn carriage, McAuliffe kept it simple.

"I need your help, brother," he kept saying. "June 9th." "Jobs."

McAuliffe, a former Democratic National Committee chairman and fundraiser, has made jobs his top issue, promising that he will do everything in his power, if elected, to bring more jobs and bigger companies to Virginia.

It was a promise that had particular relevance at the GM plant later in the afternoon, where McAuliffe met with employees who just this week learned they'll be losing their jobs when the plant closes in 18 months.

"I'm sorry about what's happened," McAuliffe told workers there. "I'll create some opportunities, I promise you You don't know what you're going to be doing, you don't know what your retirement's going to be. That's no the way we should be treating people. My heart goes out to everybody in this room."

McAuliffe should be the dark horse in this race, the outsider--he has never run for office in the state before--running against two longtime state legislators for the nomination.

Former Del. Brian Moran and state Sen. Creigh Deeds were campaigning for months, years really, before McAuliffe jumped in the race.

But McAuliffe says voters are responding to the idea of a candidate who's an outsider in Richmond. He has raised more money than either one of them. Polls show the three of them running very close, and in a tight primary--where turnout is expected to be very low--every vote really could count.

"I've been out every day," McAuliffe said. "The key is identifying your voters and getting them out."

McAuliffe said he's "not paying attention to any of the polls."

"What I am paying attention to is building the greatest grassroots organization," he said. "Only one poll matters, on June 9."

So McAuliffe left virtually no hand unshaken along a block of Caroline Street, rattling through the important issues--a mandatory energy policy in the state, renewable energy sources and standards, and jobs, jobs, jobs.

He didn't bore potential voters with the details, telling them he has a six-part, 135-page detailed plan online. Then he'd hand them a brochure with his Web site listed and be off to the next handshake.

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

Taking on the Special Interests

Just like Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, Terry isn’t a product of the legislature in Richmond, and as governor, he’s going to shake things up and make the changes necessary to get our economy moving.

He’ll ban all gifts from lobbyists and completely shut down the payday lending industry. He’s refused to take any campaign contributions from companies that have received federal bailout funds, and he won’t take a penny from Dominion Power until they support his mandatory 25% renewable energy standard -- so we can create the good-paying, green jobs of the future.

On the campaign trail, Terry’s taken the lead on these issues. As governor, he’ll do what it takes to change business-as-usual in Richmond.

Learn more:

Shutting Down the Payday Lending Industry

After traveling across Virginia and seeing how predatory lenders prey on the most vulnerable in our state, Terry came out for a total ban on payday lenders in Virginia.

Now, the payday lending industry itself is attacking Terry. On the industry’s blog, Payday Pundit, they tell readers to “get involved” and fight back against Terry’s criticisms of the industry. In an article entitled, “You can tell a lot about a candidate by the enemies he makes,” Richmond-Times Dispatch reporter Jeff Schapiro dug deeper:

Terry McAuliffe, running for the Democratic nomination for governor, wants to run payday lenders out of Virginia.

Not so fast, says the high-cost, instant-loan industry.

The Community Financial Services Association, a trade group for the nation's biggest payday lenders, is using its blog, http://www.paydaypundit.org, to mobilize its troops against McAuliffe.

McAuliffe, in Richmond today for a meet-and-greet with more than 40 staffers and volunteers, hinted that lenders have offered to contribute money to his campaign, but that he's not interested.

"The audacity of these people," said McAuliffe.

McAuliffe wants to give the boot to car-title lenders, too. His beef with the fringe-credit business: That it profits at the expense of the poor and uneducated.

Payday and car-title lenders counter that they're offering a service for which there is a demand, particularly from people who can't get credit.

Virginia has been a battleground for payday lenders for several years. The lenders have been in the state since 2002-when a Democratic governor, Mark Warner, signed legislation approved by a Republican-controlled General Assembly-and this year have been hit by recession and new regulations.

They've combined to drive down the number of money stores in the state by about 20 percent. But lenders are finding a way around the latest restrictions, offering other loans that can be more lucrative because they carry higher fees.

[Richmond Times-Dispatch, 6-2-09]

Putting the Pressure on Dominion Power

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.

But the only way we’re going to succeed in getting a larger share of our energy from renewable sources is if we can pressure the leading energy producers to go along.

Terry pledged not to take a dime in corporate or corporate PAC contributions from Dominion Power until they agree to a mandatory 25% renewable energy standard in Virginia, so we can bring green jobs and new investment to the Commonwealth. That stance has only emboldened Dominion’s resolve to defeat Terry. This week, the Washington Post reported that:

“Both Deeds and Moran received money from Dominion Virginia Power's political action committee. Deeds' $5,000 came the day after he criticized McAuliffe about his pledge to refuse campaign contributions from one of the most influential companies in the state. Moran's $10,000 came after he stated in interviews that he had taken less money his opponents.”

[The Washington Post, 6/2/09, ]

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters strongly endorsed Terry because they know that to protect Virginia’s environment, “the dynamics of government in Virginia need to change dramatically… our Board is convinced that Terry McAuliffe has the broad vision and the contacts and requisite skills to meet challenges directly.”

A Ban on Lobbyist Gifts

Terry has called for banning gifts and trips from lobbyists to legislators and executive branch officials -- because our elected officials should be accountable to the people.

In Virginia, there is no limit on the amount or types of gifts or trips that lobbyists can give to lawmakers or the executive branch. The only rule is that they must disclose gifts over a certain amount. This proposal would ban all gifts and trips from lobbyists to lawmakers and members of the executive branch.

Earlier this year, the Richmond Times-Dispatch examined some of the problems with the current system:

Official vetting of reports for accuracy is almost nonexistent. And there is little risk of punishment for rules-breakers. Lobbyists, for example, face an initial penalty of only $50 for filing late. As for lawmakers, it's up to their colleagues to mete out punishment, if any, for spotty or erroneous reports.

The resulting records -- they're available to the public through the secretary of the commonwealth and the House and Senate clerks, and online at the Virginia Public Access Project -- provide an incomplete accounting of the impact of interest-group money on elective officials. Last year, more than $20 million was spent influencing the assembly.

Disclosure standards vary from state to state, and no matter how tight the rules may be, watchdog groups worry they're ultimately insufficient to diminish the influence of gifts, trips, tickets to sports events, and other freebies. The solution, these organizations say, is a ban similar to one enacted by Congress in 2007 that prohibits lobbyists from buying even a sandwich for a member.

"Whether it's $50, $500 or $5,000, it's still a lobbyist giving a gift to a lawmaker -- and it doesn't look good," said Massie Ritsch of the Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics.

[Richmond Times-Dispatch, 3/22/09]

No Campaign Contributions From Companies Getting Federal Bailout Money

After the controversy over the AIG taxpayer funded bonuses erupted, Terry McAuliffe made a bold pledge: he promised not to take any campaign contribution from companies receiving federal bailout funds. Our tax dollars should be used to fix the economy, not fund political campaigns.

That pledge has already prompted one of Terry’s opponents to return the contributions he'd accepted from banks receiving federal bailout funds.

Bob McDonnell, on the other hand, has not refused to return the contributions he’s taken from companies receiving federal bailout funds.

Just as Terry’s stood up to special interests, he’s also shown he’ll take the fight to Bob McDonnell. Check out his petition below:

Bob McDonnell just doesn't get it. He opposed using federal stimulus money to help Virginia families in need. But he doesn't have any problems dumping your tax dollars into his campaign's bank account.

It's just shameful.

When Bob and his Republican friends rejected $125 million in federal help for Virginians who lost their jobs, his campaign had already taken thousands of dollars from companies that took federal bailout money. That's right -- your tax dollars are going from bailed out companies right into Bob McDonnell's campaign coffers.

It's time for Bob McDonnell to step up. Our tax dollars should be used to fix the economy, not fund political campaigns.

Tell Bob McDonnell to return the contributions from companies that received federal bailout money.

When the news broke about the millions of taxpayer-funded bonuses going to AIG executives, Bob McDonnell's own campaign said they "should offend every taxpayer." I agree.

But it is every bit as offensive for companies like Citigroup - which participated in some of the worst excess that triggered this financial crisis - to use the money they're getting from the federal government to make contributions to political candidates. And Bob McDonnell's taken the cash with open arms.

For his campaign to go around lecturing about the sanctity of taxpayer money -- while at the same time using it to fund its own political operation - is the height of hypocrisy. And I've had enough of it.

Tell Bob McDonnell to return any contributions he's received from companies that were bailed out by the federal government -- and to pledge not to take their money for the rest of the campaign.

Thanks,

Terry

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

The latest news

We've got just 4 days to go, and things couldn't be moving quicker. Wednesday night, Politico teamed up with ABC News, Google and YouTube to broadcast a joint-candidate forum on statewide television. We released a new response ad this week, there's been a flurry of new polling, and we're gearing up for the final Get-Out-the-Vote push.

It All Comes Down to GOTV

The Washington Post said it best: "Figuring out which ones will come to the polls and how to reach them could, more than any other factor, determine the victor on election day." That's why we've invested in one of the most sophisticated field operations that a Virginia political race has ever seen. But our ability to put our plan into action depends on you.

We've got 14 offices spread all across the Commonwealth -- and we urgently need your help to make them overflow with volunteers.

For months we've worked to bring new voters into the process and re-engage all those folks who first got involved with President Obama's historic campaign last November. In short, we've identified our voters. But we've got to the hit the phones, knock the doors, and realize the potential to make our voices heard on Election Day.

The best thing you can do is come down to one of our offices, but there are other opportunities to help out - even from your home. So don't waste a minute. Terry's autographed an additional 100 rally signs for the first people to come in and donate their time. If you haven't already signed up to volunteer, please do so immediately.

Click Here to Sign Up to Volunteer.

Candidate Forum

Wednesday night, voters across the Commonwealth tuned in to see a joint-candidate forum sponsored by YouTube, Politico, Google and ABC. And as with all of the joint-appearances, Terry once again demonstrated why he's the candidate with the focus, discipline, and resolve to bring good-paying jobs to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

I've been in Virginia politics for an awfully long time, and one thing I've learned is that governing is prioritizing. There's no time to be all things to all people. You need to know what you want to do, and have a plan to get it done. That's exactly what Terry brings to the table.

No moment from the forum was more telling than when James from Arlington asked the three candidates the one thing they'd like to be remembered for after serving as governor for four years. We've posted that clip on our website, and I wanted to share it with you.

This morning, Terry is receiving the endorsement of Governor Brian Schweitzer of Montana. As a popular two-term Governor, Governor Schweitzer knows that Terry has the right experience to get Virginia's economy moving again.

Chris Cillizza of The Washington Post wrote that the endorsement "sends a message that not only does Schweitzer think McAuliffe will win next Tuesday 's primary (otherwise, why fly in from Montana to stand with a potential loser) but also that McAuliffe represents the best chance for Democrats to keep the seat in the fall election."

Polls

A few weeks back, the National Journal's Amy Walter hit the nail on the head when she wrote that, "Any public polling on this race should be taken with a very big grain of salt. After all, no one has any idea just how 'likely' these 'likely voters' will be." But since so many of you have written in asking about one poll or another, I want to make sure you're all aware of the large disparity in the polls that are out there. They're all over the map, but Terry McAuliffe is the only candidate with a lead outside the margin of error in any of the various polls that have been released.

On Tuesday, Public Policy Polling showed the race was a dead heat.

Wednesday, Survey USA gave Terry a significant, 6-point lead over Creigh Deeds, and a 9-point lead over Brian Moran.

The truth is that the only poll that matters is the one this upcoming Tuesday. That's why we're focusing on two things - getting out the vote, and making our closing arguments for why Terry's the candidate best equipped to create jobs and grow Virginia's economy.

New Ads

For weeks, our opponents have hurled personal attacks at Terry in the mail, and on radio and TV. So as we come down the home stretch, we've got a dual focus for our paid media strategy. We released a new response ad that's airing in the Norfolk and Richmond media markets designed to counter the attacks we've seen. And in our final spot, Terry makes his closing argument for why we need big ideas to shake things up in Richmond.

P.S. Terry is holding a primary election night celebration at The Westin Arlington Gateway at 801 N. Glebe Road. If you're in the area, stop by at 7:15pm and celebrate with Terry!

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

McAuliffe Consoles, Campaigns at GM Plant

June 3rd, 2009
The Washington Post
Rosalind Helderman

From the annals of smart campaigning... Terry McAuliffe made a stop this afternoon at the GM plant in Fredericksburg that the company announced Monday it is shuttering as part of its bankruptcy filing.

Not a bad move for the candidate who has made job creation the centerpiece of his run for the governor's mansion. McAuliffe took a tour of the plant, which is scheduled to close in 2010, as a guest of local UAW leaders and Spotsylvania Board of Supervisors Chairman Henry "Hap" Connors Jr, whose endorsed his campaign.

Melvin Carter, the local union political coordinator, said he'd welcome any of the candidates--he said he's invited everyone "all the way up to the White House" to visit the plant--but only McAuliffe had so far reached out to make it happen. The plant once employed 300--now only 68 people work at the mostly quiet factory that manufacturers torque converter clutch plants.

"It's good to know he's interested," Carter said. "You know what they always say, contact your congressman or senator. Well..."

McAuliffe spent more than an hour at the plant, safety goggles on his face, ear plugs in his ears, bright orange vest over his shirt, eagerly examining the massive machinery on the factory floor and talking to workers who run it. Cocking his head to listen over the noise of the machines, he occasionally pulled out a notebooks and jotted down notes.

Many of the workers at the plant have been working for GM for decades. Some are eligible to retire, but others are just a few years shy.

"If you work somewhere for 25 years and then it closes up on you, it feels pretty bad," said worker James Holsworth.

After his tour, McAuliffe addressed a small group of workers at an afternoon team meeting in a break room off the factory floor. He told the group he would bring new alternative energy jobs to Virginia that would replace the jobs lost at the GM plant and other factory closings.

"All I can tell you is that if I get in as governor, I promise you I'll create some jobs. I'll give you some opportunities--I promise you. I've done it my whole live," he said. "My heart goes out to everyone. I'm sorry this had to happen to you."

The workers questioned McAuliffe about education and health care. Then, one woman asked the key question: "Do you have a General Motors car?"

"Two," McAuliffe answered, his first words that broad broad smiles to pretty gloomy faces.

"Three," piped up an aide, reminding McAuliffe of his Escalade.

"I have three, excuse me," he said. "I've had one since 1990, but I bought two hybrids. You bet. Two new ones."

Brian Moran, meanwhile, spent the day on a series of campaign stops through the outer suburbs of Northern Virginia, including greeting voters at the VRE train station in Fredericksburg and touring a community health center in Prince William. At the health center, he met with board members and learned how federal stimulus money saved the center from having to close its doors.

Creigh Deeds, meanwhile, will be throwing out the first pitch tonight at the Norfolk Tides minor league baseball game at Harbor Park in Norfolk.

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

"One"

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

Ministers Endorse McAuliffe

Gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe was joined at a press conference this morning by area ministers in Hampton as they discussed their support for his campaign. Citing his commitment to Virginia families and Virginia values, good jobs and a good salary for every hardworking Virginia, a quality education for every Virginia child, and protecting those who are vulnerable with policies, such as a proposed ban on predatory lending, that set him apart from every other candidate, the group offered their enthusiastic support of McAuliffe's candidacy.

"The job that Terry's involved in, he gives it all his heart, and that's what we need here in Virginia," said Bishop Rudolph Lewis. "That's why I've been supporting him because I feel the same way about reaching out and touching people. The people that I believe he helps most are the people that we are trying to help."

Over the course of his campaign, McAuliffe has outlined a comprehensive business plan for getting Virginia's economy back on track and helping families to build a better future. McAuliffe's Business Plan for Virginia addresses the growing number of individuals who find themselves out of work, unable to afford their mortgage, or worried about paying for their children's education. That Business Plan outlines proposals to attract new jobs to the Commonwealth through a series of incentives and increases to the Governor's Opportunity Fund. McAuliffe has also put forth plans to encourage small, women, and minority entrepreneurs to create their own businesses, and to help those businesses thrive. Through proposals like the Scholars for Service program, McAuliffe would work to ensure that every student has the opportunity to access a high-quality education.

In addition to supporting career and educational opportunities, McAuliffe is the only candidate in the race to have proposed a ban on predatory lenders. McAuliffe has also pledged to institute new programs to help make small loans affordable, and to assist families in improving their financial literacy. When disaster strikes, McAuliffe will ensure that families have access to low-interest loans to help pay for health care, and will create a Commonwealth-funded revolving loan program to assist low-income homebuyers.

The ministers' endorsement follows closely the formation of Small Business Owners for Terry and their endorsement on Monday. The full list of those in attendance follows below:

Rev. Joseph Garrett
Rev. Charles Pauling
Bishop Samuel Green, Jr.
Bishop Rudolph Lewis
Rev. Browlee Hailstock
Rev. Christopher Carter
Rev. Michael Silver
Rev. Simon Richardson
Rev. Kevin Swann
Rev. Dwight Riddick
Rev. Ronald Harris
Rev. S. L. Cutler
Iman Asadi Muhammed
Rev. Robert Nixon
Rev. Jose Florres
Rev. Charles Beard
Father Harold Cobb
Rev. Brenda McDonald
Rev. Robert Chandler
Rev. Purcell Roberts

Tags: business plan, economy, education, endorsement, endorsements, families, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, ministers, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

Profile of Terry on WAMU

WAMU ran this story on Terry's grassroots campaign and bold ideas to get Virginia's economy moving again.

Tags: 2009, economic growth, economy, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, radio, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac, va-gov, vagov, wamu

Governor hopeful: Jobs best fix for Va.

June 1st, 2009
Northern Virginia Daily
Garren Shipley

Opponents may call Terry McAuliffe many things, but "inconsistent" and "lethargic" aren't among them.

The former Democratic National Committee chairman turned gubernatorial candidate made the rounds of Virginia this past week, hammering on the same theme he's been on since December.

Jobs, jobs, jobs.

McAuliffe, a latecomer to the race, has focused on economic issues since he began his "listening tour" last year.

McAuliffe faces former Del. Brian Moran, D-Alexandria, and state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, in an open June 9 Democratic primary.

Job creation is the best possible fix for most of Richmond's significant ills, including the state's road system, McAuliffe said in an interview.

"I want to focus on job creation because we need money for transportation and education," he said.

President Clinton's former uber-fundraiser has a long list of things he wants to accomplish in the Executive Mansion.

"I have a lot of big plans," he said, including higher spending on K-12 education and more money for pre-kindergarten programs.

McAuliffe would also allow any individual or business to buy their way into the state's low-income health benefits program, FAMIS.

He also wants to spend more on transportation to be sure the state can draw down matching federal transportation dollars.

Paying for it all will be a challenge, though.

"First and foremost, we've got a horrible economy. We just found out we've got to cut another $250 million" from the state budget due to faltering tax receipts, he said.

"I don't believe in raising taxes in a down economy," he said. That means the state has to grow its tax receipts, he said.

McAuliffe said he thinks that, given the right tools, he can talk those jobs into Virginia.

"The House of Delegates has not given the governor any new tools, any economic incentives," he said.

Other states have set up funds and bonding authority for governors to use to lure jobs into their states.

"I'll spend money to make money any day of the week," he said.

Virginia also needs to "green up" its energy policies to encourage growth.

"We're one of the few states that doesn't offer any sort of tax incentive for people to put solar panels on their roof," he said. "Tennessee just announced a billion-dollar investment for a company to begin producing crystals for solar panels."

Requiring utilities to get a fixed percentage of their power from things like solar or wind turbines would encourage job growth, he said.

Putting Democrats in control of the legislature in November would make it much easier to accomplish his goals, he said.

Even if Republicans maintain control of the House, they will still be willing to work with McAuliffe to create jobs, he said.

"That's not a Democrat or a Republican issue," he said. "Maybe I'm nuts, but I don't think they're all going to vote against that."

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

Small Business Leaders Announce Support for McAuliffe

Gubernatorial candidate Terry Mcauliffe was joined this morning by Commonwealth business owners as they announced the formation of Small Business Leaders for Terry. Citing his experiences as a businessman and entrepreneur, his record of job creation, and his support for Virginia's business owners, the group endorsed McAuliffe and pledged to campaign on his behalf.

"Terry knows first-hand what it means to build a business from the ground up," said Tyreek Moore of AbsolutionsIT. "I know that we can count on him as governor to provide the support needed to grow our businesses and attract new wealth to Virginia. The Commonwealth can play a key role in helping new businesses to get off the ground and established businesses to expand in new ways. Terry will make sure we have the resources we need to innovate and grow."

"Right now Virginia is experiencing a budget shortfall and economic crisis," added aspiring entrepreneur Sheila Koester. "There are long lines at the Virginia Employment Commission and at job fairs. Sometimes the only way to find a good job is to be creative and to be an entrepreneur. 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: Terry McAuliffe."

McAuliffe's Business Plan for Virginia outlines his plans to support small, women-, and minority-owned businesses through propsals that would assist these business leaders in finding and attracting the capital they need to succeed in today's tough economy, expand state programs under the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority, and expand small business incubators that provide financial counseling, office location, office equipment, warehousing space, and a front-desk receptionist that can be shared by several start-up businesses.

Additionally, McAuliffe has pledged to assist small, women, and minority business owners compete for state contracts by holding state agencies accountable for expanding the participation rates for these businesses. McAuliffe has also pledged to create a small business ombudsman in the Department of Minority Business enterprise to ensure that small, minority-, and women-owned businesses have an ally in state government.

The full list of those endorsing follows below:

Alex DePaula, Espeto na Brasa
Alan Zuccari, Hamilton Insurance
Andrea McGimsey, Sidewalks and Cyberspace
James Socas, Updata
Sid Banerjee, Clarabridge
Melissa Slutzky, E-Squared
Pravin Gandhi, Gandhi Consulting
Donyata Washington, The Washington Investment Group
Carol Shrader, Audio Video Service Labs
MaRessa D Jones, MaRessa D Marketing
Jeffrey Nuechterlein, Isis Capital
Fred Singer, Echo 360
Murray Bonitt, Bonitt Builders
Kirk Galiani, Gold's Gyms
Patrick Riccards, Exemplar Strategic Communications
Brad Nierenberg, RedPeg Marketing
John P. Girardi, Builder-Developer
Andrea Seward, Misha's
Misha Von Elmendorf, Misha's
Katie Corish, The New House Company
Lawrence Vallieres, Flying Fish
Toan Nguyen, C'ville Coffee
Henry Mejia, Henry's Printing
Sheila Koester, Aspiring Entrepreneur
Tyreek Moore, AbsolutionsIT
Norman Ward, A and N Appraisers
Tamico Alston, Above All Title
Michael Hancox, E- Squared
Alex Parker, Parker Advertising
Segundo Fonseca, Eastern Cleaning Services

Tags: business leaders, business plan, economy, endorsements, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, minority business owners, small businesses, small business owners, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, women business owners

"Right Here"

Tags: 2009, economy, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac

Weekly Blog Roundup 5/22/09

With 18 days until the primary, bloggers this week analyzed the recent events impacting the gubernatorial race, including celebrity rallies and endorsements, debates, campaign attacks, issues and polls.

At Blue Commonwealth, aznew provided a balanced look at the last Democratic gubernatorial debate, with some positive and negative reactions to each of the candidates.

My first impression at the debate was that Terry McAuliffe won. In the hall, at least, Creigh seemed a little flat and Moran seemed, well, lost in the sense that with three weeks left to go in a campaign that he has been waging for three years, he still hasn't seemed to find a consistent voice or message... First, let me cite the one winning McAuliffe moment that stood out as the debate's highlight. When it came time for his question, Creigh asked McAuliffe how he could promise so much to so many - building a gym, paying teachers mortgages, etc., when he knows budgets will be tight. The question was intended to put McAuliffe on the spot for pandering and over-promising. Before he was halfway done asking it, however, it was clear to everyone - even Creigh, I think -- that he'd made a mistake. McAuliffe thanked Creigh for the question, and took the opportunity to talk about his big ideas, about reaching for the stars. "Do you want me to get out of bed and say I'm gonna be 50th?" he said. "NO. You shoot for the moon. John Kennedy didn't say we're taking the rocket halfway to the moon, It goes all the way to the moon."

Ben of Not Larry Sabato was tweeting from the debate, and concluded with:

Decisive win for @terry_mcauliffe in this debate.

Bob Holsworth at Virginia Tomorrow discusses Terry’s positive campaign and ideas, and questions why Democrats would criticize a campaign of hope after last year’s success.

McAuliffe has portrayed himself as an outsider who wants to bring “big ideas” to Virginia and shake up the political system….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? In a tough campaign, I expect that that candidates will use every weapon in their arsenal and it is no secret that both Moran and Deeds think that McAuliffe had no business becoming a statewide candidate in Virginia. But, as a party, I think the 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. The Democrats have to be careful that, whatevever the outcome of the primary, they don’t turn Virginia into the kind of place where hope goes to die.

At Blue Virginia, Lowell reports on Terry’s conference call with Liberty University students who recently had their rights to meet as a Democratic group revoked by school officials.

Liberty University has revoked its recognition of the campus Democratic Party club, saying “we are unable to lend support to a club whose parent organization stands against the moral principles held by” the university….Meanwhile, I got an email from the McAuliffe campaign saying that Terry "will hold a conference call with Liberty University Democrats" this morning. The McAuliffe campaign email adds, "Liberty University Democrats have campaigned for McAuliffe across the Commonwealth in recent weeks, and were active advocates for Obama in the 2008 presidential election."

Multiple polls this week have shown Terry in the lead in the Democratic primary race, and while the only poll that really counts is the one on election day, the blogs are buzzing. At Blue Commonwealth, kyleblankenship reported on the Survey USA poll, while at Blue Virginia Lowell added some commentary.

The bottom line is that Terry's gaining ground in the general election as we get closer to June 9 and the number of undecideds shrinks.

In a Research 2000 poll at Daily Kos, McAuliffe also holds the lead, and Kos provided some analysis.

A pretty dramatic gain for McAuliffe in the last six weeks for an election that will be decided in about three weeks (June 9), while Deeds and Moran essentially tread water. …while Moran has remained steady and while Deeds has edged back, McAuliffe has managed to move his favorability numbers forward despite an increasingly negative primary.

Laura Clawson wrote a diary at Daily Kos reflecting on her experience at the will.i.am event in Arlington on May 11th and analyzing the impact of celebrities joining the campaign trail.

This is one of the reasons it's silly when people sneer at celebrities campaigning for politicians. The biggest reason, of course, is this: If you have strong political beliefs, or support a politician strongly, you should do whatever you can to support them. Maybe it's knocking on doors, maybe it's drawing a couple hundred people and some extra press to a campaign event. …if a campaign gets people out to an event who might not go, and they hear a campaign speech they wouldn't hear, and maybe they give the campaign their information and get a few election-day text messages reminding them to vote, maybe that makes a difference. At any rate it's not hurting our democracy for people to see that rich and famous people think politics can matter.

Tags: bloggers, blogs, debates, economy, endorsements, hope, liberty university, macker, mcauliffe, obama, polls, roundup, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, weekly blog roundup, will.i.am

This Time, McAuliffe Is Selling Himself

National Journal
May 23, 2009
by Jennifer Skalka

When he turned 52 early this year, Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe -- glad-handing former rainmaker of the Democratic National Committee and permanent First Friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton -- fittingly celebrated with a fundraiser lightly disguised as a birthday party. Old pals, including such famous-for-Washington types as lawyer Richard Ben-Veniste and former Rep. Tom McMillen, turned out for the Macker, as he's known.

In the middle of the room stood a five-tier confection -- bright blue and decorated with cardinals, the state bird. A McAuliffe-looking figurine, but blonder, stood atop the cake, which had the state's motto, Sic semper tyrannis (Thus always to tyrants), draped across it. But when the time came for guests to dive in, a waiter instead delivered ready-to-eat slices of some other goodie from a back room.

Was the strange, towering creation for real? Without dragging a finger through the Technicolor frosting, it was impossible to tell. But as the irrepressible party pitchman-turned-candidate closes in on his first-ever primary, the mystery dessert makes an easy metaphor for what Old Dominion voters must decide about his gold-plated campaign. "If you're lookin' for the same old thing, I'm not your guy to go to Richmond," the transplanted New Yorker, who has developed a new habit of dropping his g's, told well-wishers.

The architect of President Clinton's Lincoln Bedroom fundraising strategy and a fast-talking fixture on cable television, McAuliffe spent three decades selling the candidacies of other Democrats. Now he is concentrating on his own political advancement and on raising enough money to steamroll his party rivals in what may well be the most-watched race of 2009. Already, McAuliffe has raked in more than $5.1 million and hired a staff of more than 100. But he has never served on a city council, never toiled in a statehouse, never run a government agency, never argued with local lawmakers about tax rates or school construction dollars. His governing skills are untested.

Both national parties are closely watching the Virginia contests. Democrats believe that a general election victory would confirm that the state has turned true blue in the Age of Obama; Republicans see flipping both of the governorships on the line this year -- in Virginia and New Jersey -- as a powerful way to demonstrate their rebound. Democrats have won the last two gubernatorial elections in the commonwealth. But to repeat this year, they would have to break a strong pattern: Ever since 1977, Virginia's governorship has been captured by the party that lost the previous year's presidential election. And in former state Attorney General Bob McDonnell, who resigned in February to run full-time, the GOP has a strong contender.

Eighteen months ago, McAuliffe probably never imagined that his political future would hinge on how well he stacks up in Virginia voters' minds against longtime state pols. But his 2008 presidential candidate of choice, Hillary Rodham Clinton, was foiled by Barack Obama, her White House aspirations heaped into the dustbin of history. Along with them went McAuliffe's chances of becoming, say, White House chief of staff.

Looking for a personal political rebirth as a candidate, the boisterous McAuliffe is using the sales skills he honed at the knees of party giants. On the stump, the man who The New York Times Magazine noted has a "Barnum & Bailey personality" is relentless, loud, and a master of hyperbole.

"New energy for new jobs!" he crows at every opportunity. On a gray and chilly March morning while touring a Lorton waste-to-energy plant with company executives and reporters, McAuliffe, the grip-and-greet connoisseur, sounded every bit the auctioneer.

"I love all waste!" he roared. Incinerated chicken poop, he said, will help meet the state's ever-growing demands for electricity. High-speed rail from Northern Virginia to Richmond and Hampton Roads? He'll make it happen. Higher teacher pay? He's in. And candidate McAuliffe will insert your name, voter, into every sentence.

To those who complain that he hasn't worked his way up in Virginia politics, he retorts, "This is democracy. No one has a birthright in democracy. If you have good ideas, go run. What if they told Barack Obama that? 'Where have you been?' "

McAuliffe is charging into the minutiae of state government with his trademark gusto, but the journey isn't likely to be easy. Even if he prevails in the June 9 primary and the November general election, he will still have to figure out how to get his way in a governorship that is notoriously weak because it is limited to a single, four-year term.

A native of Syracuse, N.Y., who has lived in Northern Virginia's tony McLean for 17 years, McAuliffe transformed the primary race merely by entering it. His opponents, former state Del. Brian Moran and state Sen. Creigh Deeds, have long served in Richmond, but they can't match McAuliffe's fundraising clout, seasoned campaign savvy, or political celebrity status. In the first quarter of this year, McAuliffe raised $4.2 million -- more than five times the take of Moran, who served for 13 years in the General Assembly and whose brother Jim represents Alexandria and Arlington in the U.S. House.

McAuliffe's supporters say he will bowl over the competition by launching an air and ground war (he has more than 50 field workers) that won't be easily rivaled, and that will be built on a retooled Bill Clintonesque "It's the economy, stupid" message emphasizing job creation. Detractors predict that McAuliffe's appeal will prove quite limited, that voters will reject him as an interloper. "For Democrats, the key to success is to find a Democrat who appeals to [Virginia's] urban base but who also has strong appeal in rural Virginia," said Democratic Rep. Rick Boucher, a Deeds supporter who represents Tazewell and other counties in the state's southwest. "I think people are going to make their judgment based on reasons other than the number of TV commercials they see."

In the view of veteran Democratic strategist Peter Fenn, McAuliffe's chief task is to persuade voters that his campaign isn't an ego trip. "The real question is, can he prove to the citizens of Virginia that this is about Virginia, that this is about them?" Fenn said. "What he's got to show is, he has the clout and the ideas to deliver for folks -- and not because he's a national figure."

In a turn of the screw not lost on local political observers, McAuliffe is playing down the work for which he is best known -- boosting the Clintons -- to cast himself as an independent voice for Virginians. That is a tricky maneuver, given that McAuliffe is simultaneously trying to cash in on Bill Clinton's star power by appearing with him in Richmond, Roanoke, and the state's Washington suburbs. McAuliffe is doing nothing to remind Virginia Democrats of his ties to Hillary Clinton, who was crushed, 64 percent to 35 percent, in their 2008 presidential primary.

Obama's landslide in that contest signaled the state's lack of interest in Clinton 2.0. So McAuliffe is refashioning himself in the model of, well, Obama -- a post-partisan figure devoted to job creation and renewable energy. But questions remain: Why does the salesman want to govern? And can he win?

Still Spinning

When Hillary Clinton walked into the cavernous main hall of Washington's National Building Museum last June to belatedly bow out of the 2008 presidential campaign in front of thousands of die-hard supporters, she was accompanied by the Goo Goo Dolls' song "Better Days," which wraps up with "Tonight's the night the world begins again." The line was intended to herald the dawn of the next chapter of Clinton's public life. But it was also a fitting tribute for her campaign chairman, McAuliffe, who stood in the back, still spinning to the television cameras for his longtime friend even as she walked off the stage.

On the stump in Virginia, McAuliffe often says that he always intended to run for office but that his life took a long, exciting detour. Immediately after college in 1980, he stepped into national politics as the finance chairman of President Carter's re-election campaign, and eight years later he raised money for then-Rep. Dick Gephardt's first presidential bid. McAuliffe is best known, of course, for becoming a confidant of Bill Clinton and masterfully milking Democratic cash cows. According to several published reports, McAuliffe raised at least $300 million for the Clintons over the years -- for Bill Clinton's two White House campaigns, for his legal defense fund and his library, and for Hillary Clinton's successful 2000 Senate bid. McAuliffe even helped arrange the mortgage for the couple's $1.7 million post-presidency residence in elegant Chappaqua, N.Y.

Bill Clinton rewarded McAuliffe by joining Gephardt and others in endorsing him for the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee in the wake of Al Gore's failed White House bid. McAuliffe won easily over former Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson.

Leading the party from 2001 to '05, McAuliffe built, as he likes to recount, a massive $535 million war chest and modernized the DNC. With Republicans in control of Congress and the White House, his was one of the most visible faces of the Democratic Party. He sings his own praises with enthusiasm: "When you don't have the White House, you're the guy on television every day setting the tone."

During that time, McAuliffe was eager to prove that he wasn't just a fundraiser, that he could do message, too. Still, his legacy was clear. Gephardt, who was an usher at McAuliffe's wedding two decades ago, says, "He raised more money for the party and left the party in better shape for the [2004] general election than anyone ever has."

That year produced another disappointment for Democrats, though, when they lost to George W. Bush for the second time. McAuliffe, ever the optimist, knew that another Clinton was waiting in the wings. He signed on as Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman. Then, when McAuliffe realized that the product he had long pitched would no longer move, he did what any salesman might. He found a new commodity and a new spiel. His world did indeed begin again.

"I think people respect the loyalty that I showed to Hillary right up until the end," McAuliffe told National Journal. "I didn't cut and run. I don't cut and run. I'm a loyal sticker. I'm proud of her. I love her. I think she's fantastic. But the day she said, 'Terry, I'm done,' ... I never looked back."

Smooth Operation

McAuliffe insists he's not running for governor simply because he had time on his hands once Hillary Clinton's campaign derailed. He had previously given serious thought to seeking office, he says, either in his native New York or in Florida, his wife's home state.

But Hillary Clinton's loss undeniably ended a major chapter in McAuliffe's life. A father of five, he became a rich man during his years as advocate for the Clintons, turning a $100,000 investment in Global Crossing, the telecommunications company that ultimately went bankrupt, into at least $8.1 million. (His campaign says that a widely reported $18 million figure for his Global Crossing profit is incorrect.) He also ran a Florida construction company, American Heritage Homes, which he sold for an undisclosed amount. During an April rally at a Richmond farmers' market, President Clinton said of McAuliffe, "Yeah, he's made a lot of money. He did that by taking care of other people." Details of the multimillion-dollar ventures never make it into McAuliffe's Virginia stump speech. He prefers to regale listeners with tales of his success in resurfacing driveways as an entrepreneurial 14-year-old.

McAuliffe launched his bid for governor much as Hillary Clinton started her Senate campaign in New York. For two months he traveled throughout Virginia, meeting voters from Emporia and Waynesboro to Wise and Melfa. The listening tour was a formality. No one doubted that he would run.

He has created a campaign machine that only a skilled party veteran could craft in short order. McAuliffe's effort is built around business roundtable discussions (an attempt to tap into the constituencies that moderate Democrats Mark Warner and Tim Kaine successfully wooed), regular telephone town hall meetings, and text messages to attract the state's young, tech-savvy Obama voters. McAuliffe periodically signals he can identify with regular working folks -- by suiting up to toil at the Fairfax City Fire Station or pitching at an African-American barbershop in Richmond and in Roger Brown's Restaurant & Sports Bar in Portsmouth. Meanwhile, his team has cranked out detailed position papers on jobs, energy, transportation, and education.

The McAuliffe camp boasts well-known consultants from Hillaryland, including Mike Henry, Clinton's deputy campaign manager, and Mo Elleithee, a respected spokesman. They run a smooth, moneyed operation. They have already aired a half-dozen TV spots and attracted major union endorsements -- from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, as well as the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters.

But doubts remain that McAuliffe is well enough versed in clubby Virginia politics to accomplish much if elected. Richmond's entrenched network of civil servants and homegrown pols is hard to buck, and Republicans dominate the Legislature. The glamour of winning a marquee competition could quickly fade.

"I think there's sometimes still a sense that he hasn't paid his dues," said Harris Miller, a Moran supporter who ran for the Senate in 2006. Despite his own superior fundraising, Miller lost to political newcomer Jim Webb in the Democratic primary. "As I proved," Miller says, "you can outspend your opponents and still lose."

McAuliffe's outsider status is underscored by his lack of giving to in-state candidates -- and his bountiful fundraising outside of Virginia. Between 1997 and early 2008, he did not contribute to a single candidate for state office, according to the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project. Since late last year, McAuliffe has personally given a total of $6,500 to three candidates -- two running for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and another running for delegate. His campaign committee has given $94,530 so far this year, largely to the state Democratic Party. Asked why McAuliffe ignored Virginia candidates in the decade before his own run, a campaign spokeswoman noted only that McAuliffe, as DNC chief, shepherded $5.1 million of party money to Kaine's successful 2005 gubernatorial campaign.

The largest portion of contributions to McAuliffe's campaign have come from Washington, followed by Los Angeles; Fairfax County; Cook County, Ill.; New York City; and Orange County, Calif. Top gifts include $276,000 from media magnate Haim Saban; $250,000 from film producer Stephen Bing; $100,000 from Robert L. Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television; $101,000 from Hyatt Hotel heir J.B. Pritzker; and $25,000 from Donald Trump. In his National Journal interview, McAuliffe said that Virginia supporters would see his vast network as an asset: "People would probably say, 'He's a pretty good salesman, probably has a lot of great relationships throughout the world, and would use those to grow our economy.' "

But rival Moran calls McAuliffe a "hyperpartisan national Democrat" with too few ties within the state. "I actually have relationships beginning on day one," Moran said. "Everyone says, 'I'm going to reach across the aisle.' I actually have." But the day-one argument, as McAuliffe could vouch, didn't work in Virginia, or nationally, for Hillary Clinton.

State Rep. Gerry Connolly's straw poll demonstrated that money often trumps experience. The St. Patrick's Day traditional feast brings out Democratic activists, and throngs showed up this year for the corned beef and potatoes, and to vote. McAuliffe's campaign purchased 400 tickets, about half the final vote count. But, more important, he turned out his supporters, many of them young, first-time attendees. McAuliffe won with 58 percent of the vote to Moran's 30 percent and Deeds's 12 percent.

His opponents and their supporters were steamed, even though the ticket buying didn't violate any rules. "I think it sucks," said Moran backer Howard Carlin of Herndon. "It's just really unfortunate that McAuliffe had to win it by doing that sort of thing." McAuliffe is unapologetic. "At the end of the day, it's about getting people to show up and vote, isn't it?"

A Mix of Old and New

The White House would be extremely pleased to follow up Obama's 2008 primary and general election successes in Virginia by keeping the state's governorship in Democratic hands for another term. Voter interest in the race, which features the state's first contested Democratic gubernatorial primary since 1985, is unpredictable. More than 977,000 Virginians voted in last year's Democratic presidential primary, but two years earlier only 155,784 came out for the Webb-Miller Senate primary. Most political observers think that high turnout -- signaling the continued participation of young people and sporadic voters whom Obama's "change" message lured to the polls -- would benefit McAuliffe. If turnout is low, the contest will probably be decided by party regulars, people more apt to have connections to Deeds or Moran.

McDonnell, who has no primary competition, is waiting in the wings for the Democratic nominee. He served in the Army and attended law school at Regent University, founded by evangelist Pat Robertson. National GOP leaders, including 2008 presidential candidates John McCain, Rudy Giuliani, Fred Thompson, and Mike Huckabee, as well as Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, have already descended on Virginia to raise money for the social conservative. McAuliffe spokesman Elleithee describes McDonnell as "a lifelong right-wing ideologue who has learned how to speak moderate."

Virginians think more highly of McDonnell than of any of his Democratic rivals, according to a recent poll by Daily Kos and Research 2000. The survey also found the Republican running ahead of each of the Democrats in head-to-head matchups. He is the only one of the four to have won statewide office, edging Deeds by fewer than 400 votes to become attorney general in 2005.

Even though Obama was the first Democratic presidential candidate to carry Virginia since 1964, the commonwealth remains a mix of the Old South and the new, rural and urban, high-tech and low-wage. This year's campaign seems to be turning on the economic issues dominating the national debate, but deep divides remain over social issues, such as guns and abortion, that have proven pivotal in some past elections.

With suburban Northern Virginia having tipped the balance to the Democrats in last year's presidential race and Webb's 2006 Senate contest, McDonnell intends to fight for moderate votes, according to Ed Gillespie, the former Republican National Committee chairman who is his volunteer campaign chairman. "I do think there will be a lot of voters, a lot of centrist and moderate voters in the suburbs who voted for Obama who will vote for McDonnell. There's no doubt about that," Gillespie said. "People saw Barack Obama as someone who could fix things, who could solve problems. And people see Bob McDonnell as someone who can fix things and can get things done."

If McAuliffe gets the chance to knock heads with McDonnell, both will be vying for the Mr. Fix-It title. Trailed by a pack of reporters, McAuliffe donned hard hat and safety goggles to peer into the Lorton waste-conversion facility packed with thousands of tons of stinking garbage.

The trash would be burned and eventually turned into energy to light up Virginia. McAuliffe, who told the plant's managers that he had tried to build this facility's twin in Syracuse way back in 1980, looked as if there was no place on earth he would rather be than here, inhaling the sour fumes.

"This gets me excited!" he bellowed into the abyss. "This is your future. This is as good as it gets."

Tags: 2009, bill clinton, clinton, democratic national committee, dnc, economy, energy, jobs, 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

Shoot for the Moon

This clip is from the Washington Post/NewsChannel8 Virginia Democratic Primary Debate.

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

The Final Debate

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

Stepped Up

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

McAuliffe Releases New Ad Defending Record of Saving and Creating Jobs

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released a new ad emphasizing his record of saving and creating jobs in response to a negative ad from the Moran campaign.

"It's very telling that Brian Moran is once again relying on negative and misleading attacks against Terry in his first television ad," McAuliffe spokeswoman Lis Smith said. "Terry is running on his strong record of creating thousands of jobs-a record verified by the Washington Post today. In these troubling economic times, Virginians are looking for a governor with the right experience to create jobs and get our economy back on track - someone with a positive vision for Virginia's future - not someone focused making misleading and negative attacks." The Washington Post story can be found at http://voices.washingtonpost.com/virginiapolitics/2009/05/mcauliffe_i_created_thousands.html.

In the ad, Clyde Smith, former president Federal City National Bank says, "I was with Terry when jobs were on the line and he was not going to give up." Adds Melinda Taylor, former executive assistant at Federal City National Bank, "He kept the promises that he made. He took care of us."

The ad can be seen at http://www.terrymcauliffe.com/articles/terry-mcauliffe-ad-stepped-up.

Tags: ad, creating jobs, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe

Rivals Take Aim at McAuliffe in Final Primary Debate

May 19th, 2009
The Washington Post
Anita Kumar

Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls R. Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran sought to isolate Terry McAuliffe in the final debate among the three primary candidates today by repeatedly and vigorously attacking him on his credibility.

Deeds and Moran accused McAuliffe of promising too much to too many, charged that he exaggerated claims about his business record and suggested he had hidden the truth about his campaign donations.

"These are the divisive politics of destruction that people are sick and tired of," McAuliffe said. "We need a healthy discussion on the issues," he added, defending his record and calling the charges untrue.

With three weeks to the June 9 primary, the final debate mirrored the closing themes of the primary campaign -- with most of the attention continuing to focus on McAuliffe's outsider bid to become the Democratic standard-bearer in the general election campaign against Republican Robert F. McDonnell.

Hundreds came out to watch the three Democrats 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 the three finding accord on most major issues, the campaign has turned into a referendum on style -- and most notably, on what McAuliffe described as his shoot-for-the-moon approach. Deeds and Moran, both longtime state legislators, 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.

Deeds accused him of over promising to build a high school gym in Martinsville, pay off teachers' mortgages, car and student loans, use his Hollywood connection to make Virginia the new film capital of the world and reform Medicaid.

"Those are just some of the things you said in public,'' Deeds said. "I don't know what you said in private."

Moran questioned McAuliffe's record of creating jobs, accusing him of exaggerating the number he has created.

"So tell me, Terry, how is this a positive, credible campaign, and how can Virginia voters trust you will care about their jobs and create any new jobs?"

McAuliffe brushed off the attacks as gutter politics, and said he was proud to set ambitious goals for the state.

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

The hour-long debate, hosted by The Washington Post and News Channel 8, was available online and will be televised tonight on News Channel 8. Washington Post reporter Chris Cillizza and News Channel 8 anchor Bruce DePuyt asked questions, some submitted by Washington Post readers.

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 turn blue. This year's Democratic primary is the party's first contested gubernatorial nomination battle in more than two decades.

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

Saved

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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

Bill Clinton rejoins McAuliffe for Virginia campaign encore

Washington Examiner
May 13, 2009
By William C. Flook

Former President Bill Clinton stumped for Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe across Fairfax County on Wednesday, striking a fiscally hawkish tone as he described his close friend and longtime adviser.

Clinton, arriving characteristically late to a rally at Herndon’s Frying Pan Park, framed McAuliffe as the man to balance spending and restraint in the governor’s mansion, and who would “tell you the truth when something can’t be done and money can’t be spent.”

It was a clear overture to independent voters who haven’t made up their minds which, if any, of the three Democratic hopefuls they will vote for. McAuliffe faces former Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria and State Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County in a June 9 primary.

Independents could be one of McAuliffe’s biggest obstacles. While a Public Policy Polling survey this month gave him a sizable overall lead over the two challengers, it also found him lagging Deeds and Moran with the unaffiliated voters.

Other polls have shown Moran leading the primary race, with Republican Bob McDonnell ahead of all three Democrats.

McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, served as Bill Clinton’s chief fundraiser during his presidency and was chairman of Hillary Clinton’s unsuccessful presidential campaign last year.

“Everybody knows this guy raised a lot of money for me,” Bill Clinton said. “Every nickel he raised, he has talked to me about how to be careful spending it.”

McAuliffe, while promising to increase teacher salaries, offer tax incentives for renewable energy use and pay off the college loans of nurses and educators serving “high need areas,” did not explain how he would pay for the goals. He vowed not to propose tax increases while the economy remains sour.

“I don’t believe in raising taxes in a down economy,” he told the 300-person crowd in Herndon.

McAuliffe’s detractors have alternately dismissed the Clinton connection as a vestige of his time in national politics and used it as fodder for the argument that he lacks experience in Richmond that would qualify him for executive office.

He later spoke at Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale.

Tags: bill clinton, clinton, economy, fairfax, frying pan park, herndon, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Receives Celebrity Endorsement

May 13th, 2009
Connection Newspapers
Julia O'Donoghue

While political opponents criticize Terry McAuliffe for accepting political donations from wealthy Californians, the Virginia gubernatorial candidate appears to be running toward, not away from, his West Coast connections.

Hip-hop artist will.i.am took an overnight plane from Los Angeles to Dulles International Airport to spend the day campaigning with McAuliffe in Virginia May 11.

The celebrity tour included an evening event at the Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington County, where those willing to donate $20 to the McAuliffe campaign could see will.i.am perform in front of a small crowd. People willing to give $500 got the opportunity to meet the music producer at a VIP reception before the short concert.

Best known as the front man for The Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am produced "Boom Boom Pow," currently the most popular song in the United States, according to www.billboard.com. He also appears in the new movie "X Men Origins: Wolverine," a box office success.

"I could be doing a lot of things with my time. … I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in this guy," said will.i.am about McAuliffe.

McAuliffe is vying for the Democratic nomination for governor and faces two opponents, former Alexandria Del. Brian Moran and Charlottesville area state Sen. Creigh Deeds, in a primary June 9. The candidate is the former chair of the Democratic National Committee as well as a friend and political advisor to former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

AT BEST, will.i.am has only tangential connections to Virginia.

The performer might have visited Virginia when The Black Eyed Peas played more college shows, he said. will.i.am is also paying for a student from Delaware to attend college at Hampton University, located in Virginia.

"I am here supporting the next governor of Virginia because my heart says so. I wish he was going to be in California but he is not," said will.i.am about McAuliffe.

The will.i.am event may not have done a whole lot to prove that McAuliffe has deep roots in Virginia, something that McAuliffe, a McLean resident of nearly 20 years, insists is true.

But the artist’s endorsement caught the attention of people who would not normally pay attention to the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

Eugenia White, a Fairfax County employee, hadn’t been paying attention to Virginia’s gubernatorial race at all. She receives daily email updates from the McAuliffe campaign, but she never signed up for them. She thinks she only receives them because she was a volunteer for President Barack Obama’s campaign.

Still, the will.i.am appearance caught her eye and White decided that, for $20, she would attend the event. She also read up on McAuliffe and liked what she learned about the candidate. Now, she is trying to convince her friends to support him in the upcoming election.

"I will do what I can to promote him," said White.

McAULIFFE’S RELATIONSHIP with will.i.am is more than attention grabbing. It’s an example of the candidate’s moxy.

The Black Eyed Peas first caught McAuliffe’s eye when he was watching the group’s performance at the Grammy awards in 2004 on television. At the end of the song, will.i.am urged more young people to participate in the upcoming presidential election, where George W. Bush faced U.S. Sen John Kerry (D-Mass.)

Within a few days, McAuliffe, then chair of the Democratic National Committee, called will.i.am and asked to meet up at the organization’s headquarters in Washington D.C. Shortly thereafter, will.i.am started campaigning for Kerry around the country.

"In 2004, there was not another artist who did more than will.i.am," said McAuliffe.

The performer stayed active in politics, campaigning for Obama during the 2008 presidential election. He was also a headliner for the Obama inauguration concert on the National Mall in January.

AND WHILE McAuliffe may accept support from wealthy celebrities in California, the candidate made it clear he isn’t interested in taking money from Dominion Power’s political action committee, even though the utility company is the largest statewide donor to Virginia’s political campaigns.

"I have said I won’t take a check from Dominion Power," said McAuliffe, who is in favor of wind power and other forms of renewable energy he said Dominion has not been supportive of developing.

The ban does not extend to individual contributions from retired Dominion executives or current Dominion employees that do not come through the political action committee.

According to the Virginia Public Access Project, a nonpartisan group that tracks campaign donations, Dominion executives and employees have contributed, both through its political action committee and not, approximately $5.16 million to Virginia political campaigns since 1996.

The company is an equal opportunity contributor. It gave about 40 percent of those donations to Democrats and 50 percent to Republicans over the years. Nearly all members of the Northern Virginia delegation to the General Assembly have take money from Dominion.

Since 1996, Bob McDonnell — the Republican gubernatorial nominee who also served as a delegate and attorney general — has received $180,717 from Dominion Power. Moran has taken $46,800 and Deeds has received $57,200, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

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

McAuliffe slams GOP candidate on jobs

Richmond Times Dispatch
May 12, 2009
By Jeff E. Schapiro

Pitching for the youth vote with will.i.am of Black Eyed Peas fame, Democrat Terry McAuliffe is unloading some boom, boom, pow on his would-be Republican opponent for governor.

While campaigning yesterday with the hip-hop star whose group's latest tune, "Boom, Boom, Pow," is No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, McAuliffe attacked former Attorney General Bob McDonnell for defending House of Delegates Republicans' vote to block $125 million in federal funds for expanded jobless benefits.

"Once people understand it, they get outraged over it," said McAuliffe, noting that the money is available to Virginia for seven years to assist unemployed part-timers and those training for other jobs.

McAuliffe, one of three candidates for the Democratic nomination to be decided in a June 9 primary, unloaded on McDonnell during a stop yesterday with will.i.am that drew about 80 to The Camel, a Broad Street nightspot.

Will.i.am was instrumental in mobilizing young voters last year for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

The McDonnell campaign, rolling out its first television commercial apparently to deflect a Democratic ad attacking him on the unemployment issue, declined to comment on McAuliffe's broadside.

"We wish him the best of luck in his contested and tough primary," McDonnell spokesman J. Tucker Martin said.

McAuliffe was asked about the McDonnell advertisement, which is largely autobiographical but closes with a flourish that echoes one invoked by McAuliffe from the very start of his candidacy: job creation.

"They know it's about jobs -- it's about the economy," said McAuliffe, opposed for the Democratic nomination by state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County and former Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria. "They see I'm getting a lot of traction with my economic argument. They're getting nervous."

Will.i.am, wearing a white toque, thick-soled, lace-up black patent leather shoes, shiny black trousers and a snug, slightly frayed militarylike jacket, joined McAuliffe in Hampton Roads, Richmond and Northern Virginia.

The recording artist and McAuliffe have not always been on the same side. While will.i.am backed Obama from the start of the 2008 race, McAuliffe led the campaign of Hillary Rodham Clinton.

However, McAuliffe, as chairman of the Democratic National Committee, enlisted will.i.am as a party spokesman in 2004 on behalf of the party's unsuccessful presidential nominee, John Kerry.

Will.i.am, at least the second headliner behind former President Bill Clinton to stump for McAuliffe, described the McLean investor-businessman as the "guy who got me into politics."

Tags: arlington, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, mcdonnell, richmond, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, will.i.am

32BJ of the Services Employees International Union Endorses McAuliffe for Governor

32BJ of the SEIU today endorsed Terry McAuliffe for governor, citing his plans to get hard-working Virginians back to work in high-quality, sustainable jobs. 32BJ of the SEIU, which has over 3,500 members in Virginia, emphasized their belief that McAuliffe's comprehensive approach to economic growth, including proposals to improve Virginia's health care, education, and transportation systems, was the best approach to improving the lives of their members and of all Virginians.

"Terry McAuliffe will be a strong advocate for working families that make our economy run but struggle to make ends meet," said Mike Fishman, 32BJ President. "He understands that improving wage and benefit standards is a top priority for workers and key to jump-starting our economy."

"I am proud to have the support of the men and women who keep Virginia running," said McAuliffe. "As Governor, I will help ensure that workers' rights are protected and that everyone has the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. If we all work together, I know we can get Virginia's economy back on track and continue to improve the quality of life for all Virginians."

With more than 110,000 members in nine states, including 15,000 in the Washington D.C.-Metropolitan area, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.

Tags: economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, seiu, services employees internation union, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, 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

Sneak Preview

I can hardly believe it. But at midnight tomorrow, we'll only have one month to go until Primary Day on June 9th. We've worked incredibly hard, and this is no time to let up.

Everywhere I go, when I talk about Terry's Business Plan for Virginia and the way he proposes to lead our Commonwealth through these tough economic times, people are eager to support his candidacy. But there are only so many places that Terry and I can be at once. With just 32 days until the election, we need your help to communicate Terry's message all over the Commonwealth. As a part of that effort, even I am taking to the airwaves to share a little bit of our personal story and why Terry has chosen to run.

I recorded a special TV ad for Terry that is set to air on Mother's Day. And if you make a contribution of $5 or more before midnight tomorrow, you'll get to preview the ad before it hits the airwaves.

Click here to make a contribution before midnight tomorrow and watch a sneak preview of my TV ad.

We've had a great week. Terry won a big endorsement from the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, who noted that he has what it takes change the dynamics in Richmond and get things done.

George Mason University political analyst Mark Rozell even noted that, "McAuliffe is commanding the mass media and the political conversation."

But with so many undecided voters and one of our opponents already on television, we need your help to keep our momentum going. Please contribute before the fundraising deadline at midnight tomorrow. There's no time to spare.

Click here to make a contribution before midnight tomorrow and watch a sneak preview of my TV ad.

Thanks to all of you who have been there with us and are joining us on this important journey on behalf of all Virginians. And most importantly, to all the moms out there who do so much for their families and communities every single day, have a very Happy Mother's Day.

Tags: ad, business plan, dorothy, dorothy mcauliffe, economy, endorsement, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tv ad

Weekly Blog Roundup 5/8/09

This week in the blogosphere, there were reports on Terry's many recent endorsements, including local leaders, unions, organizations, and a famous hip-hop artist. Bloggers also talked about Terry's events and determination to improve Virginia's economy.

Lowell at Blue Virginia reported on Terry’s endorsement from the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, saying:

As of today, Terry is THE environmentalist candidate in this race. Rock and roll!

Others agreed, like commenter Tom Counts...

Now, the folks at LCV have endorsed the person who not only BELIEVES in Conservation and protection of the environemnt, but has a real plan to make it happen.

...and commenter Kyle Blankenship.

I don't think one can downplay the significance of this endorsement. Coming after strong polling data yesterday, this will be another boost for the McAuliffe campaign. With the environment a steadily growing concern, indicated by the strong turnout for events like "Blue Planet Forum" I attended tonight, this will only improve upon the McAuliffe's lead statewide. We're just shy of a month out, and the timing of this could not be better for McAuliffe.

Meanwhile, the blog Not Larry Sabato simply said:

League of Conservation Voters Endorse T-Mac... The momentum continues...

Lowell also wrote about other endorsements including the Arlington Coalition of Police Union and Loudon Democratic leaders.

I'm very happy to see some of the best grasssroots Democrats in Virginia on the following list (see comments section), such as my friend and former Webb compadre Mary Lee Cerillo. It looks to me like momentum is really building for Terry McAuliffe. Great stuff!

At Blue Commonwealth, Dan Sullivan reported on the town hall event that Terry held last week in Norfolk.

Terry McAuliffe held a Town Hall in Norfolk on Friday that attracted a wide range of the citizenry, from teachers to union members including the firefighters, to just plain folks…The bottom line and the big argument, according to Terry, is that we have got to think big and bold here and we have got to create jobs by changing the dynamic here in Virginia. With unemployment rising and places like Martinsville suffering 20.8%, we are less than 5% away from depression era figures. We are facing huge economic issues. He believes, “…our focus has to be: grow the economy.” We need a governor who gets out of bed every day and asks, “how do we bring more jobs in, how do we bring in more high tech jobs, how do we bring in more alternative energy jobs?” … The audience and he connected and asked too many questions for him to be able to fully field in the limited time, though he kept answering despite his schedule.

Arjun Jaikumar reported in a diary on Daily Kos on performing artist, actor, and Democratic activist will.i.am campaigning with Terry.

Well, will.i.am - a prominent Obama surrogate and Democratic activist, in addition to being a famous hip-hop artist and actor - will now campaigning with former DNC chairman Terry McAuliffe, one of the most prominent surrogates for Obama's former rival, now Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton….McAuliffe and will.i.am apparently go back several years. The artist's support, along with that of former President Clinton, certainly gives McAuliffe a considerable degree of star power as the campaign rolls into its final weeks.

At Blue Virginia, Dan Sullivan discussed Terry’s appearance on the Fairfax political discussion show, “The Road To,” in which he argued that our next governor needs to be one who focuses on job creation and new revenue.

McAuliffe argues that if we don’t change the dynamic in Virginia, in two years time all we will have done is cut the budget or raise the taxes. We need a governor who is fiscally responsible, who knows how to create economic activity, and hasn’t been part of this partisan battling down in Richmond. That way, according to McAuliffe, we don’t have to have the budget battle because the revenue will be coming in.

JC White at What is right for Virginia wrote of another endorsement, that of Martinsville Vice Mayor Kimble Reynolds Jr.

I know Kimble to be a very thoughtful man and not given to rash decisions. Congressman Tom Perriello chose Reynolds to be a part of his transition team, and he has served as Mayor in the past. Vice Mayor Kimble Reynolds Jr. today endorsed Terry McAuliffe for Governor, citing his decades of experience creating jobs and turning businesses around. As Vice Mayor, Reynolds has helped to lead a city with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, today a daunting 20.2 percent, and has served in the city government since 2004… McAuliffe's Business Plan for Virginia includes sections devoted to creating jobs in hard-hit areas. His ideas include specialized tax incentives aimed at creating good jobs with benefits in high-need areas by rewarding businesses for locating high-growth industry jobs in Virginia.

Tags: arlington coalition of police union, arlington police, bloggers, blogs, economy, endorsements, jobs, kimble reyn, lcv, league of conservation voters, loudon, loudon democrats, macker, mcauliffe, norfolk, reynolds, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, weekly blog roundup, will.i.am

Sneak Preview

I can hardly believe it. But at midnight tomorrow, we'll only have one month to go until Primary Day on June 9th. We've worked incredibly hard, and this is no time to let up.

Everywhere I go, when I talk about Terry's Business Plan for Virginia and the way he proposes to lead our Commonwealth through these tough economic times, people are eager to support his candidacy. But there are only so many places that Terry and I can be at once. With just 32 days until the election, we need your help to communicate Terry's message all over the Commonwealth. As a part of that effort, even I am taking to the airwaves to share a little bit of our personal story and why Terry has chosen to run.

I recorded a special TV ad for Terry that is set to air on Mother's Day. And if you make a contribution of $5 or more, you'll get to preview the ad before it hits the airwaves.

Click here to make a contribution and watch a sneak preview of my TV ad.

We've had a great week. Terry won a big endorsement from the Virginia League of Conservation Voters, who noted that he has what it takes change the dynamics in Richmond and get things done.

And just yesterday, George Mason University political analyst Mark Rozell noted that, "McAuliffe is commanding the mass media and the political conversation."

But with so many undecided voters and one of our opponents already on television, we need your help to keep our momentum going. Please contribute before the fundraising deadline at midnight tomorrow. There's no time to spare.

Click here to make a contribution and watch a sneak preview of my TV ad.

Thanks to all of you who have been there with us and are joining us on this important journey on behalf of all Virginians. And most importantly, to all the moms out there who do so much for their families and communities every single day, have a very Happy Mother's Day.

Tags: ad, business plan, dorothy, dorothy mcauliffe, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, mother's day, mothers, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tv ad, va-gov, virginia, virginia league of conservation voters

League of Conservation Voters backs McAuliffe

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters today endorsed former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe in the Democratic primary for governor on June 9.

Board Chairman John Jaske of Rapidan said that while state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County and former Del Brian J. Moran of Alexandria have championed environmental causes in Virginia, "we believe that Mr. McAuliffe possesses the necessary qualities to lead as governor of Virginia on conservation and environmental issues so critical at this time."

League executive director Lisa Guthrie said the "dynamics of government in Virginia need to change dramatically" and said the board is "convinced that Terry McAuliffe has the broad vision and the contacts and requisite skills to meet challenges directly."

The league identified McAuliffe's priorities as promoting land preservation, protecting the Chesapeake Bay and investing in renewable energy with the proposal of building a wind farm off Virginia's coast.

"McAuliffe has a clear and complete understanding of the interconnections between land use, transportation, and energy generation and transmission" Guthrie said.

The endorsement by the 3,000 member, nonpartisan environmental group comes as a blow to Moran, the only Democratic candidate to state full opposition to a proposed coal-generated electric plant in Surry County.

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

The only poll that matters

All of the hard work you've done is starting to make a big difference, according to the latest public polling. After showing Brian Moran in the lead last month, yesterday Public Policy Polling confirmed that Terry McAuliffe has a double digit lead.

PPP noted that, "This is the fourth time PPP has polled this contest and the first time one of the candidates has broken away from the pack." These numbers come just after last week's Survey USA poll, which also showed Terry with a double-digit lead.

I've always said that we need to take public polls with caution - especially computer-generated ones. The only poll that really matters is the one on Election Day, and that's why it's so important that we keep the pedal to the metal for the next 34 days.

With so many undecided voters, and one of our opponents now running television ads, we need your help now more than ever. We need the resources to respond to their attacks, communicate Terry's positive message of job creation, and bring our people to the polls. In order to fully fund our operation, we need your help to raise $20,000 by the May 9th fundraising deadline.

Click Here to Make a Donation Before May 9th - even as little as $5 can make a big difference - and Fund Our Operation for the Final Month.

The trends in these polls are too big to ignore. The more people hear about our candidates for governor, the more they respond to Terry's message of job creation and economic growth.

PPP noted that "McAuliffe has done a very good job of building up support in areas where none of the candidates have an inherent regional base," and that we've "developed particularly commanding leads" among women and African-Americans.

But with just 34 days to go, we urgently need your help to sustain this momentum.

Click Here to Make a Donation Before May 9th - even as little as $5 can make a big difference - and Fund Our Operation for the Final Month.

Thanks so much for all of your help. Everything we've accomplished so far is due to that hard work you've put in from the very beginning. We can't let up now.

Tags: economy, grassroots support, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, poll, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

Green group endorses McAuliffe in Va. race

May 6th, 2009
Associated Press
Bob Lewis

RICHMOND, Va. - Terry McAuliffe got the endorsement of a national environmental advocacy group in Virginia's three-man Democratic gubernatorial primary.

The League of Conservation Voters endorsed the former Democratic National Committee chairman Wednesday even though his rival, Brian Moran, is more outspoken against new coal-fired power plants.

Moran is the only candidate who flatly opposes a proposed coal-fired plant in the Tidewater community of Surry. McAuliffe and Creigh (Cree) Deeds say they need to see more research.

Moran also opposes offshore drilling for oil or gas, while McAuliffe says he supports drilling for gas alone.

In a release announcing the endorsement, the League tipped its hat to McAuliffe's call for sinking wind-driven turbines that generate electricity off the Virginia coast.

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

Martinsville Vice Mayor Kimble Reynolds Jr. Endorses McAuliffe for Governor

Martinsville Vice Mayor Kimble Reynolds Jr. today endorsed Terry McAuliffe for Governor, citing his decades of experience creating jobs and turning businesses around. As Vice Mayor, Reynolds has helped to lead a city with one of the highest unemployment rates in the state, today a daunting 20.2 percent, and has served in the city government since 2004.

"As Vice Mayor, I've seen first-hand what happens when jobs disappear and the unemployment rate climbs," said Reynolds. "I've called Martinsville home for a long time, and Virginians here are looking for a leader who will bring economic opportunities back to our city and open up new avenues of growth throughout the Commonwealth. I firmly believe that Terry McAuliffe will be that leader."

McAuliffe's Business Plan for Virginia includes sections devoted to creating jobs in hard-hit areas. His ideas include specialized tax incentives aimed at creating good jobs with benefits in high-need areas by rewarding businesses for locating high-growth industry jobs in Virginia. McAuliffe has also pledged to target his efforts through state partnerships with regional leaders, and the creation of a Governor's Regional Economic Advisory Committee to advise him on the unique economic issues faced by each region of the Commonwealth.

Said McAuliffe, "I am honored to have Vice Mayor Reynolds' endorsement. It is heartbreaking to see hardworking Virginian men and women whose jobs have just disappeared. Right now, we are facing some of the worst economic conditions since the Depression, but I truly believe that with the right leadership, we can create high-quality new jobs and ensure that every Virginian who wants to work has a place to work. As a businessman and entrepreneur, I know what it takes to make that happen, and I look forward to partnering with local leaders like Vice Mayor Reynolds to build our economy."

Tags: business plan, economy, endorsements, jobs, kimble reynolds, kimble reynolds jr, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

Weekly Blog Roundup 5/1/09

Welcome to this week's installment of the Weekly Blog Roundup. Bloggers wrote about the wide variety of gubernatorial events this week, including multiple debates, Terry's support from Bill Clinton, and reflecting on Terry's Business Plan for Virginia.

At his blog The Daily Dogwood, Josh Chernila provided some afterthoughts on Thursday’s debate in Lyric, the first statewide debate sponsored by and for the netroots community.

Finally, McAuliffe is definitely the one to beat in this race. He is in the best position to take on McDonnell, has very strong and well-considered positions, and is really running by far the best campaign in Virginia politics this year. His common sense solutions will draw a stark contrast against McDonnell's radical ideology in the fall.

In a post at Virginia Tomorrow, Bob Holsworth commented on the two rallies held in Richmond and Roanoke on Monday at which President Bill Clinton came out to support Terry.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clinton lends political clout to McAuliffe's bid for governor

The Virginian-Pilot
April 28, 2009
By Warren Fiske

RICHMOND -- Yes, he does owe Terry McAuliffe a huge political debt, former President Bill Clinton said Monday.

But that's not the sole reason he came to Richmond to endorse McAuliffe's bid for governor, Clinton added.

"Look, everyone knows he's one of my closest friends," the 42nd president said at a rally at a downtown farmer's market. "So look, I'd be here regardless. Everyone knows that.

"The press says, 'Oh well, Terry McAuliffe has raised millions of dollars for Bill Clinton. He has to show up.' And that's absolutely true," Clinton told the crowd.

"... But here's what I really want to tell you," he said. "I am here today for reasons that go way, way beyond that."

Echoing McAuliffe's campaign theme, Clinton insisted that his ally would do a powerful job creating jobs and improving Virginia's economy.

"He was made for this moment," Clinton said. "He's been a great businessman. He's been a tremendously effective political leader. He has energy, he's creative, and he cares."

McAuliffe, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, faces two rivals in a June 9 Democratic primary: state Sen. Creigh Deeds and former Del. Brian Moran. The winner will face former Attorney General Bob McDonnell, a Republican, this fall.

Clinton's appearance was hardly a surprise. McAuliffe was a top fundraiser for the former president's national campaigns. He was national chairman of Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential bid last year. Bill Clinton contributed $10,000 to McAuliffe's campaign in January.

Scenes of the two men embracing under the market's rustic sign - and of Clinton reciting a history of McAuliffe's entrepreneurship beginning as a teen - may lend themselves to television ads during the late stretches of the primary.

McAuliffe is hoping Clinton can galvanize support in a primary that is expected to generate small voter turnout. While Deeds and Moran have relied on their long involvement in Virginia politics to win local endorsements and piece together grass-roots support, McAuliffe has banked on national connections to raise far more money that his opponents and air a steady stream of television commercials.

"One of the things they're trying to do is overcome the sheaf of endorsements Deeds and Moran have by saying one Clinton is worth 100 local officials," said Bob Holsworth, a political scientist at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Richmond police estimated 400 people attended the rally; the McAuliffe campaign subsequently called reporters and insisted that the number was at least 600. Later in the day, Clinton and McAuliffe appeared at a smaller event in Roanoke.

Tags: bill clinton, clinton, economy, energy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, richmond, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

Bill Clinton, Terry McAuliffe make Roanoke campaign stop in race for governor

The Roanoke Times
April 27, 2009
By Michael Sluss and Mason Adams

Former president Bill Clinton and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe spoke to a crowd of about 250 in downtown Roanoke this afternoon, asking for support and touting McAuliffe's job and energy plans.

The pair spoke for a little less than 30 minutes in front of Fire Station 1 on Church Avenue Southwest. The stop was their second after a morning rally in Richmond. Clinton, who was clearly the draw for most of the Roanoke crowd, said McAuliffe would move aggressively on job creation and new energy development to put the state on the front edge of the nation's economic recovery. Clinton also said McAuliffe could keep the governor's mansion in Democratic hands in an election that will have national political implications.

"The Republicans see this an opportunity to make some gains and set the stage for 2012," Clinton said during the Richmond appearance, which drew a crowd of about 400, according to Richmond officials. "Terry McAuliffe sees this an opportunity to make sure that Virginia leads the way in America's economic recovery."

McAuliffe is playing his political trump card by campaigning with Clinton six weeks before the June 9 Democratic primary, hoping to separate himself from state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County and former Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria. The winner of the intraparty fight will face Republican Bob McDonnell, the former attorney general, in the November election.

McAuliffe, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, headed the fundraising effort for Clinton's 1996 re-election bid and chaired Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. But Clinton said his visit to Virginia is about more than returning a favor to a friend.

"I'd show up here regardless," Clinton said. "The press says, 'Oh, well, Terry McAuliffe raised millions of dollars for Bill Clinton, he's got to show up.' And that's absolutely true. But here's what I want to tell you: I'm here today for reasons that go way, way beyond that."

Clinton, a former governor of Arkansas, said governors will play key roles in the nation's economic recovery and said McAuliffe's plan to create jobs, particularly in emerging renewable energy fields, can accelerate Virginia's economic rebound.

"Governors will have an enormous impact on the speed of the economic recovery, the number of jobs that are created, the kinds of jobs that are created and whether ordinary families will actually be benefiting," Clinton said

Tags: bill clinton, clinton, economy, energy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, richmond, roanoke, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

President Clinton and Terry McAuliffe Rally for JOBS

Well over one thousand people showed up to hear President Bill Clinton and Terry McAuliffe campaign together in Richmond and Roanoke today. The weather was perfect. And the crowds were fired up.

President Clinton – who created more jobs than any other President in US history — told the audience that Terry’s experience as an entrepreneur with 13 years experience running large organizations made him best qualified to create the jobs of the future and grow Virginia’s economy.

Terry hit a home run detailing some big ideas in his Business Plan to move Virginia forward. And he explained that as someone who hasn’t been part of the partisan, legislative battles of the past, he’ll bring a fresh approach that will deliver results in Richmond.

Check out some of the news coverage:

Former President Bill Clinton told Democrats that if they liked the way America grew jobs under his watch, they’ll love what Terry McAuliffe does as Virginia governor.

[Associated Press, 4-27-08]

Clinton also said McAuliffe could keep the governor’s mansion in Democratic hands in an election that will have national political implications.

“The Republicans see this an opportunity to make some gains and set the stage for 2012,” Clinton said this morning in an appearance with McAuliffe at an open-air farmer’s market in Richmond, drawing a crowd of about 400, according to Richmond officials. “Terry McAuliffe sees this an opportunity to make sure that Virginia leads the way in America’s economic recovery.”

[Roanoke Times, 4-27-08]

The former president said McAuliffe will attract businesses to Virginia and create jobs. “He was made for this moment in Virginia,” said Clinton.

[Virginian-Pilot, 4-27-08]

Clinton joined McAuliffe for a mid-morning rally in Richmond’s Farmer’s Market, telling a crowd the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee is ideally suited to be Virginia’s next governor. McAuliffe’s campaign said about 600 signed in for the event.

Clinton cited McAuliffe’s success as a businessman and investor, his leadership of the DNC and his ability to work with Republicans.

“He’s the right sort of bipartisan guy,“ said Clinton, with McAuliffe standing to his left. “He’ll reach out to Republicans, but he’s not the sort of guy who will let people jack you around.“

Clinton also said McAuliffe would be a superior partner with President Barack Obama. Clinton said it’s important that governors be able to work closely with the White House if the economy is to recover.

McAuliffe, who headed to Roanoke with Clinton after the Richmond appearance, attacked the all-but-official Republican nominee, former attorney general Bob McDonnell.

McAuliffe said McDonnell has an “idelogical agenda that will divide people.“

[Richmond Times-Dispatch, 4-27-09]

Tags: 2009, bill clinton, campaign, economy, jobs, rally, richmond, roanoke, terry mcauliffe, virginia governor

Bill Clinton campaigns in Richmond for McAuliffe

Richmond-Times Dispatch
April 27, 2009
By Jeff Schapiro

Former President Bill Clinton is campaigning across Virginia today for his political ally and top fund-raiser, Terry McAuliffe, who is standing for the Democratic nomination for governor in the June 9 primary.

Clinton joined McAuliffe for a mid-morning rally in Richmond’s Farmer’s Market, telling a crowd the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee is ideally suited to be Virginia’s next governor. McAuliffe’s campaign said about 600 signed in for the event, but Richmond police this afternoon estimated that 350 had attended.

Clinton cited McAuliffe’s success as a businessman and investor, his leadership of the DNC and his ability to work with Republicans.

“He’s the right sort of bipartisan guy,“ said Clinton, with McAuliffe standing to his left. “He’ll reach out to Republicans, but he’s not the sort of guy who will let people jack you around.“

Clinton also said McAuliffe would be a superior partner with President Barack Obama. Clinton said it’s important that governors be able to work closely with the White House if the economy is to recover.

McAuliffe, who headed to Roanoke with Clinton after the Richmond appearance, attacked the all-but-official Republican nominee, former attorney general Bob McDonnell.

McAuliffe said McDonnell has an “idelogical agenda that will divide people.“

McAuliffe is vying against former delegate Brian Moran of Alexandria and Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County for the Democratic nomination.

Tags: bill clinton, clinton, economy, energy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, richmond, roanoke, t-mac, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

Gardening at William & Mary

What a day! The weather turned gorgeous just in time to celebrate Earth Day. On the same day that President Obama toured a wind energy facility in Iowa, I got the chance to spend some time with Virginians doing their own small part to help create a sustainable and clean future. A few weeks back, Students For a Better Williamsburg invited me down to do some Earth Day gardening at their campus garden and talk about my ideas and plans.

Boy am I glad I went. These young people are doing pretty amazing things in their Environmental Action Coalition. Together, we planted rows of broccoli. The young activists tell me they’re working with the student kitchen and other aid organizations in Williamsburg to get the fresh broccoli incorporated into meals that will feed low income and elderly people in town. Most of the young student “farmers” tell me they are involved in various environmental activities on and off campus as well. A young lady named Virginia Jenkins is in her junior year, majoring in Spanish and Environmental Policy—but spends many days interning at a nearby farm. It is young people like Virginia who represent the future of the Commonwealth, merging traditional studies with environmental themes to help work toward a better tomorrow. Green policies make up a cornerstone of my campaign.

If we make investments in preserving our environment now, it will bring thousands of jobs to the commonwealth and help to reverse the harmful effects of climate change. I’ve spent my life building businesses, turning around struggling ones, and volunteering for the Democratic causes that I believe in. I am confident that we can do right by the environment and position our state for future economic success, but it will take strong leadership and bold ideas that don’t always come from Richmond. And I believe we need to start planning now.

My Business Plan for Virginia contains incentives for renewable power generation, investments in efficiency measures, and other demand-reducing technologies, including incentives for technologies that produce energy from biomass, such as chicken waste. As Governor, I’ll work with the State Corporation Commission to set a mandatory target for energy efficiency. I’ll focus on reducing demand for energy and investing in clean, renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar. I’ll make cleaning up the Bay a priority of my administration. And, I’ll support efforts to increase protection of open space in Virginia, including a dedicated revenue source for open space protection. I want to make Virginia a leader and a national model for Green Energy and Green Jobs. And when you look around on a day like today— with clear blue skies overhead and warm air all around-- you get it. Our Commonwealth is a beautiful place and we all have to do our part to keep it that way.

Tags: 2009, earth day, economic growth, economy, gardening, governor, jobs, mcauliffe, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, william & mary

Your tax dollars to Bob McDonnell's campaign?

Bob McDonnell just doesn't get it. He opposed using federal stimulus money to help Virginia families in need. But he doesn't have any problems dumping your tax dollars into his campaign's bank account.

It's just shameful.

When Bob and his Republican friends rejected $125 million in federal help for Virginians who lost their jobs, his campaign had already taken thousands of dollars from companies that took federal bailout money. That's right -- your tax dollars are going from bailed out companies right into Bob McDonnell's campaign coffers.

Weeks ago, I publicly pledged that I wouldn't accept any corporate campaign contributions from any companies receiving federal bailout money. That pledge has already prompted Brian Moran to return the contributions he'd accepted from banks receiving federal bailout funds.

Now it's time for Bob McDonnell to step up. Our tax dollars should be used to fix the economy, not fund political campaigns.

Tell Bob McDonnell to return the contributions from companies that received federal bailout money.

When the news broke about the millions of taxpayer-funded bonuses going to AIG executives, Bob McDonnell's own campaign said they "should offend every taxpayer." I agree.

But it is every bit as offensive for companies like Citigroup - which participated in some of the worst excess that triggered this financial crisis - to use the money they're getting from the federal government to make contributions to political candidates. And Bob McDonnell's taken the cash with open arms.

For his campaign to go around lecturing about the sanctity of taxpayer money -- while at the same time using it to fund its own political operation - is the height of hypocrisy. And I've had enough of it.

Tell Bob McDonnell to return any contributions he's received from companies that were bailed out by the federal government -- and to pledge not to take their money for the rest of the campaign.

I can't tell you how much your strong support means to me. I know I've got the best, most committed supporters in Virginia on my side, and you are making all the difference in this campaign!

Tags: bob mcdonnell, campaign contributions, economic recovery, economy, macker, mcauliffe, mcdonnell, stimulus money, t-mac, terry mcauliffe

Local 1 of Virginia, Maryland, and DC of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Endorses Terry McAuliffe for Governor

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.

"Terry McAuliffe is our choice for governor, because he has the right experience to turn our economy around and build good, green jobs here in the Commonwealth," read a statement from the Local's endorsement committee. "As masons and tradespeople, we're all about building for the future -- and Terry's commitment to investing in infrastructure development and growing the economy are exactly what Virginia's working families need."

McAuliffe, who was previously endorsed by the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, and the Boilermakers, thanked the Bricklayers for their support and pledged to put Virginians back to work as Governor.

"I'm honored to have the support of the Bricklayers," McAuliffe said. "As Virginia's governor I will wake up every day thinking about how we can create good jobs and get our economy back on track."

Tags: bricklayers, economy, endorsements, international union of bricklayers and allied craftworkers, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

Surrounded by water

Terry just launched his newest television ad of this campaign and I wanted to share it with you. In this 30-second spot, Terry talks about his commitment to making our Commonwealth the leader in wind and other renewable energy technology - and he even does it on a boat, off the coast of Virginia Beach, surrounded by miles of water in every direction.


With only 52 days until the primary on June 9th, we need your help to spread Terry's message of creating good-paying jobs and growing our economy. So after you've watched the ad, please find your local field office and join our grassroots campaign today!


Tags: economy, grassroots, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, television ad, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, virginia beach

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

Weekly Blog Roundup 4/17/09

In this week’s installment of our Weekly Blog Roundup, we found several big events being reported on by local bloggers. Blogs discussed the annual Shad Planking event in Virginia, the fourth chapter of Terry’s Business Plan, Terry’s fundraising and position in the primary race, and Bob McDonnell’s rejection of $125 million in unemployment benefits for Virginians.

Not Larry Sabato has analyzed the gubernatorial race based on where each of the candidates are, including most recent campaign finance reports, and puts Terry ahead of his opponents.

…Terry's prospecting and spending has given him more small donors and more volunteers on the ground at recent events… Overall- the one clear message from these reports is Terry McAuliffe is the favorite for the nomination...

In a post at Blue Commonwealth, Dan Sullivan reported on the events at Shad Planking. Terry was at the annual Virginia event in Wakefield to meet supporters and give a short speech to the crowd.

Terry McAuliffe was the principle target of most of the jabs by McDonnell and Moran. He appeared to have come prepared and willingly poked fun at himself. The addition of a brightly costumed chicken suited purveyor of alternative energy and an airplane towing a "NEW ENERGY-NEW JOBS. VOTE TERRY" sign and an over the top cheering section were designed to draw even more notice.

At Blue Virginia, Lowell also gave a recap of the Shad Planking events, including Terry winning the sign war:

Lowell also wrote about Terry receiving the most attention from his opponents.

Terry McAuliffe handles hecklers very well. As he says, the more people argue with him, the more excited and energized he gets… Clearly, Bob McDonnell was most focused on Terry McAuliffe, spending nearly three times as much of his loooong remarks talking about Terry, not Brian or Creigh (who got about a 30-second mention).

At Daily Kos, diarist ‘Mark Warner Is A God’ had some positive things to say about Terry’s fundraising, passion, and ability to win the primary race.

He has passion for causes. He's bringing that passion in unexpected ways to the Virginia Governor's race. He's a hard guy not to like when you're up close to him... McAuliffe will continue the tradition of a heavily funded top-ticket Virginia Democrat bringing tons of resources to the state party and the lower tier candidates. He seems to have a smart team on board. I'm looking forward to McAuliffe vs McDonnell. The battle of the Mac's.

What Is Right For Virginia reported on Terry signing the grassroots petition protesting Bob McDonnell’s opposition to extending unemployment benefits for Virginia families.

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe signed the Virginia Democratic Party's grassroots petition to protest Bob McDonnell and Virginia Republicans for rejecting $125 million in federal economic recovery funds to extend unemployment benefits. McAuliffe released the following statement: "Bob McDonnell's opposition to accepting $125 million to extend unemployment benefits is a slap in the face to the thousands of Virginia families struggling under the current economic crisis. With unemployment reaching over 20% in communities like Martinsville, it is unconscionable that McDonnell would turn a cold shoulder to Virginia's unemployed workers.”

Lowell at Blue Virginia also praised the fourth part of Terry’s comprehensive Business Plan for Virginia. This next chapter focuses on improving Virginia’s education system.

I look forward to reading the entire chapter, and commend Terry McAuliffe for putting out the most detailed - by FAR - plan for Virginia of any gubernatorial candidate, Democratic or Republican… Among other things, it includes a "[s]trong commitment to Pre-K" and aims to "improve affordability through increased student aid programs and a new 'Scholars for Service' program."

Tags: bob mcdonnell, economy, education, energy, fundraising, grassroots, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, organization, shad planking, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, unemployment, va-gov, virginia

Virginia Democratic Leaders Endorse McAuliffe for Governor

Today, over a dozen community activists and leaders from across Virginia announced their support for Terry McAuliffe's campaign for governor, citing his strong grassroots campaign and his ideas for getting Virginia's economy back on track.

"I'm supporting Terry because I believe he is the candidate best able to carry on the Warner-Kaine tradition of Democratic leadership," said Walter Fore, Retired President of the Central Virginia Labor Council and Former President of the Lynchburg Voters League. "Terry has the right experience to get the job done as governor and grow our economy. He knows that not all good ideas come from Richmond, and he has already demonstrated his commitment to listening to Virginians from every corner of the Commonwealth. He won't just be a good governor; he will be our partner in moving Virginia forward."

"Throughout his career, Terry McAuliffe has worked hard to make sure that more people than ever have access to the American Dream," added Richmond disability advocate Monica Wiley. "As governor of Virginia, he will create the kind of high-quality jobs and educational opportunities that will help to make that dream a reality for all Virginians."

A full list of those endorsing today follows:
Gerald Cheatham - Lynchburg Community Activist
Thelma Combs - Lynchburg Community Activist
Dr. James E. Coleman, Jr. - Lynchburg Community Activist
Cheryl Glass - Lynchburg Community Activist
Damon Thomas - Lynchburg Community Activist
Walter Fore - Retired Pres. of Central Virginia Labor Council and Former Pres. of Lynchburg Voters League
Julia Fore - Lynchburg Community Activist
Clyde T. Clark Sr. - Former Chair Central Virginia Community College Board, Lynchburg
Yvonne Ferguson - Lynchburg Community Activist
Bo Driskill - Chairman Emeritus of Lynchburg Democratic Committee
Chris Graham - Waynesboro Democratic Committee, Chair
George Schwartz - Stafford Board of Supervisors
Chairman Monica Wiley - Disability Community Advocate, Richmond
Bishop Rudolph Lewis – Virginia Beach
Bishop Samuel Green – Newport News

Tags: economy, endorsements, grassroots, lynchburg, macker, mcauliffe, newport news, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, virginia beach

Lights, camera, tax credits!

The Virginian-Pilot
April 16, 2009

It isn't the biggest issue in the race, but all four men hoping to be the next governor would like to grab a little Hollywood glitter for Virginia, a rare moment of unanimity on a contentious campaign trail.

The most detailed incentive plan thus far comes from Democrat Terry McAuliffe, who wants to offer production companies the chance to recoup up to 20 percent of their state expenditures and payroll costs through rebates or tax credits. McAuliffe also proposes unspecified cash grants for state-based independent productions and increased spending on college programs.

Republican Bob McDonnell thinks enough of the industry that he promised to boost the state's film business during his campaign kickoff. Details to come.

Democrats Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran have supported incentives during their legislative careers. Deeds voted this year for a 5 percent tax on pay-per-view movies in hotel rooms, earmarking the revenues to attract more productions to Virginia. Moran tried to secure funding in 2007 to lure a crew to Southwest Virginia.

Of the 30 states that offer tax credits and rebates to filmmakers, Virginia is a bit player. Last year the Virginia Film Office's incentive fund received just $200,000 in state support, far less than the millions devoted by other states.

Jeff Frizzell, commissioner of the Hampton Roads Film Office, hopes his state will one day be more competitive. He was in California this week meeting with studio representatives and independent directors at a national expo. "The first thing they ask is, 'What incentives do you have?' " he lamented.

With the proper safeguards in place, modest increases in Virginia's incentives could be part of a larger plan to boost economic development. When film crews choose a Virginia location for their shoot, "people come in here and spend obscene amounts of money, and then they go away," Frizzell said. The HBO miniseries "John Adams" spent $80 million here in 2007. "Evan Almighty" pumped $19 million into the state in 2006.

States are fighting over a shrinking pool of film and TV productions. California legislators recently approved $500 million in tax credits to restore their home-grown industry.

Politicians - including gubernatorial candidates - should be careful to make sure tax breaks and grants pay off for Virginia. As unanimous as they are in hoping to get a bigger piece of the movie business, they should take care not to be blinded by the dazzle of Hollywood's stars.

Tags: economy, film industry, filming, filmmakers, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, tax credits, terry, terry mcauliffe, tourism, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Signs VA Dems Petition Protesting McDonnell's Opposition to Extending Unemployment Benefits

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe signed the Virginia Democratic Party's grassroots petition to protest Bob McDonnell and Virginia Republicans for rejecting $125 million in federal economic recovery funds to extend unemployment benefits. McAuliffe released the following statement:

"Bob McDonnell's opposition to accepting $125 million to extend unemployment benefits is a slap in the face to the thousands of Virginia families struggling under the current economic crisis. With unemployment reaching over 20% in communities like Martinsville, it is unconscionable that McDonnell would turn a cold shoulder to Virginia's unemployed workers.

"I urge Virginians across the Commonwealth to join me in signing this petition so that we can send a strong message that it is time for Bob McDonnell to put aside partisan games and instead work for bipartisan solutions to get our economy back on track."

Tags: bob mcdonnell, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, mcdonnell, petition, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, unemployment, virginia republicans

McAuliffe Unveils Fourth Chapter of His Business Plan for Virginia

Highlighting the need to attract the employers and jobs we want in the future, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released the fourth chapter of his Business Plan for Virginia, which focuses on improving Virginia's education system.

"To attract the employers and jobs we want in the future, we need to ensure that Virginia has the best-educated, best-trained, most skilled workforce in the world," McAuliffe said. "Over the past eight years, we've seen steady progress and better results in education. The challenge for the next governor will be to make better use of what we have. That means we have to build more flexibility, more innovation and more creativity into the system."

McAuliffe called for streamlining the process of commercializing research at Virginia's universities to provide extra funding for colleges and allow them to lower tuition costs. McAuliffe said he would ask the newly created Innovation and Entrepreneurship Investment Authority to identify all roadblocks to commercializing research breakthroughs and build partnerships, linking schools and the private sector from the outset of research. With the extra revenue from university research, McAuliffe would require that 50% of it go to lowering the costs of college tuition. McAuliffe also said he would support Virginia's community colleges, which provide a less expensive alternative for the first two years of college and will enable our workforce development initiatives.

"We have excellent two- and four-year institutions that educate our young people, train our workforce and serve as a base for economic spin-offs," McAuliffe said. "Today the issue is access. We have to do better when it comes to making higher education more affordable."

Emphasizing the importance of earning more than a high school degree, McAuliffe said he would ensure that students are prepared to go to college and adapt critical skills. He promoted measures including broadening dual enrollment and expanding the availability of the Early College High School Initiative to give Virginia students a head start. McAuliffe proposed implementing new voluntary assessments that would allow high school juniors who are ready to bypass their senior year and go straight to college.

Additionally, to improve outcomes in the classroom, McAuliffe underscored the importance of continuing Governor Kaine's pre-K expansion, as well as providing a state School Readiness Tax Credit for high-quality child care and preschool providers and the families and employers that use them.

Finally, McAuliffe called for offering incentives to attract the best teachers in the nation. McAuliffe said he would raise teacher salaries to the national average and work with teachers to find innovative ways to differentiate compensation. If teachers take on additional responsibilities, they should be rewarded for it.

"The most important component in our education system is the teacher," McAuliffe said. "If we're going to have the best schools, Virginia will have to compete for the best teachers."

Tags: business plan, colleges, economy, education, mcauliffe, school, t-mac, teachers, terry, terry mcauliffe, universities, va-gov, virginia

Weekly Blog Roundup 4/10/09

This week, bloggers had a lot to talk about regarding the Virginia gubernatorial race. Blogs included praise for Terry's grassroots campaign support, regional offices, the next part of his comprehensive Business Plan and fundraising abilities, as well as reactions to Republicans' rejection of economic recovery funds that would have helped Virginia's workers.

Lowell at Blue Virginia reported on the strength of Terry’s campaign, after he rolled out the first three chapters of his comprehensive Business Plan, raised over $4.2 million in the last three months, and is building statewide grassroots support.

I think that Terry McAuliffe just took this campaign to a new level. No wonder why Republicans are most afraid of him! For comparison's sake, Tim Kaine raised an impressive $2.6 million in 1Q05. As impressive as that was, it's actually $1.6 million less than Terry McAuliffe raised in 1Q09. And remember, back in 2005 the economy was booming, while today we're in the severe Republican Recession. That just makes McAuliffe's fundraising totals even more eye popping. All I can say is, Bob McDonnell's got to be praying right now that Terry McAuliffe is not the Democratic nominee this year.

Josh Chernila also reported on Terry’s fundraising and grassroots support at his new blog, The Daily Dogwood.

I endorsed the McAuliffe campaign because, in addition to bold positions on jobs, energy and the environment, this campaign is firing on all pistons and avoiding the vicious negativity of the Moran campaign. Good stuff.

In a diary on DailyKos, alankrishnan was appalled at the Virginia Republicans’ rejection of $125 million in economic stimulus funds that would have helped improve unemployment benefits for Virginians.

Bob McDonnell's opposition to the $125 million economic recovery money, (which would alleviate some of the problems of unemployment in Virginia) is just another indication that he will deviate and move away from the path made by Warner and Kaine….Terry McAuliffe held a Press Conference on Thursday 4/9/2009 which was very well attended by several members of the Press. This is a clear indication of public interest on employment related topics, and perhaps the rationale of why the Federal funding had been refused.

At Blue Commonwealth, teacherken discussed the amount of offices and staff that each of the candidates has throughout the commonwealth.

At the "opening" of his Arlington-Alexandria headquarter in Old Town this past week, McAuliffe said they now had 11 offices opened. Another was "opened" in Loudoun the following day, with Dorothy McAuliffe being the headliner. That gives him offices in McLean, Woodbridge, Alexandria, Loudoun, Richmond, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, Charlottesville, Hampton, Fredericksburg, Alexandria and Loudoun…. offices give a focal point for local attention, a place from which canvassing can be more easily organized. And after both the primary season and the general election, we know the impact having many local offices made on behalf of Obama.

On his blog Dem Bones, Drew praised Terry for the third part of his comprehensive business plan for Virginia, highlighting a ban on pay-day lenders.

In general, the plan offers McAuliffe's positions on health care, education, and retirement savings. But the very last thing McAuliffe offers is a plan to ban pay-day lenders in the state…I have not decided who I am going to vote for this primary (I have my leanings), but I do like that McAuliffe is offering business plans which positively affect the Southside and, like me, he wants to end the predatory practice of pay-day lenders.

At Blue Commonwealth, Teddy Goodson reported on the Democratic campaigns speaking to members of The Brigades, a grassroots activist group in Virginia. Terry’s wife, Dorothy, was there to talk about the campaign and Terry’s experience and ideas for Virginia.

When she and Terry arrived in the Washington area several years ago, they chose to live in Virginia as the best place to raise a family, and, five children later, it is clear Terry really cares about Virginia. She described his extensive business background beginning with a driveway re-surfacing company in his teens through rescuing a community bank in the 1980's to fund raising for the DNC....In this economic downturn McAuliffe's business experience as a successful executive is crucial---- the Governor's job is an executive one, not a legislative one, after all. His whole career in the Democratic Party shows his concern for social justice. We cannot raise taxes, so we must grow revenues some other way, and he intends to use his business experience to create jobs by growing the economy, utilizing the research from Virginia's universities. Terry's approach also includes continued round tables and town hall meetings to get citizen input. Government cannot do it all, Richmond does not have all the answers, and Terry always asks "how can we do it better."

At Blue Virginia, Lowell responded to Terry's first-quarter investor report, in which he shares with his supporters how he has invested in the resources he has built up through fundraising.

The report covers McAuliffe's "comprehensive business plan for Virginia," his "first-rate organization" (including field offices and organizers throughout the state), endorsements, new media, paid media, African-American outreach, and finance...You can read the entire report here and learn why Terry McAuliffe gives Democrats our best shot at beating Bob McDonnell, of winning back the House of Delegates, and of preventing Republicans from moving us backwards here in the Commonwealth.

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

Bob McDonnell and Republicans "Too Busy" to Explain Rejecting $125 Million for Unemployed Virginians

Bob McDonnell and Virginia Republicans turned their backs on Virginia families and Virginia’s economy.

They refused $125 million in federal economic recovery funds that would go directly to the families who need it most by providing unemployment assistance.

With communities facing record unemployment, it is an unconscionable ideological attack on Virginians who have lost their jobs.

Tell Bob McDonnell to help Virginia families and Virginia’s economy.

Lowell said over at BlueVA:

So, they weren't too busy to reject $125 million for struggling, unemployed Virginians; they're just too busy to talk about their outrageous votes? Niiiiiice.

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

Campaign Report

As primary day gets closer, it's becoming clear that Terry McAuliffe is the one Democrat in this race who has built the campaign capable of defeating Bob McDonnell in November. Over the past four months, Terry has invested in new technologies, an unprecedented grassroots infrastructure, and a powerful message about growing Virginia's economy and creating good-paying jobs.

This campaign is about you, and because we want to be accountable to our supporters, we've prepared another quarterly report documenting how we've invested our resources.

Please take a moment to read our Investor Report.

(This report is a 1.8 MB PDF)

The stakes in this election could not be higher. Bob McDonnell is preaching the same failed economic ideology that Jim Gilmore and George Bush practiced with disastrous results. Those irresponsible policies led us to where we are today - an economy in crisis and rising unemployment. We can't afford to go back to those days.

I've been fighting to elect Democrats in Virginia for two decades. And I can tell you that Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Jim Webb, and Barack Obama won here in Virginia because they brought new people into the process, energized the grassroots, and never let any attack go unanswered. Terry is building that same kind of campaign.

Making smart investments, hiring the right people, and promoting accountability is what Terry has done his whole career - turning around struggling organizations and making them successful. That's the same approach he will take to Richmond, and that's the way he is running this campaign.

Tags: accountability, economy, energy, grassroots, investor report, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, unemployment, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Condemns McDonnell's Rejection of $125 Million to Alleviate High Unemployment

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released the following statement on the decision of Virginia Republicans and Bob McDonnell to reject $125 million in federal economic recovery funds for extended unemployment benefits:

"Yesterday, Virginia Republicans, led by Bob McDonnell, turned their backs on Virginia families and communities facing record unemployment rates and unprecedented economic challenges. At a time when we should be working across party lines to get our economy back on track, McDonnell has shown once again that he is more interested in political games and heated partisan rhetoric than working to find bipartisan solutions. "Not only will this decision to reject $125 million in federal economic recovery money hurt our families, but it will also discourage responsible behavior among unemployed workers, like looking for part-time work and enrolling in job training programs. We should be doing everything in our power to encourage unemployed Virginians to take these steps.

"Bob McDonnell's refusal to accept economic recovery money to alleviate the problems of unemployment in Virginia is just another sign that he will not continue the progress of the Warner-Kaine administrations. Instead, McDonnell would take us back to the era of Jim Gilmore, who turned his back on Virginians experiencing hardship when he repeatedly failed to claim federal matching funds for children's health insurance and refused to extend emergency unemployment aid to workers laid off from the Tultex textile plant in Martinsville."

McAuliffe will hold a conference call with press at 2:30 pm today regarding his position on the economic recovery money.

Tags: bob mcdonnell, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, mcdonnell, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, unemployment, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Raises Over $4.2 Million in First Fundraising Quarter

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe's campaign announced that he raised over $4.2 million in the three month period from January 1 to March 31 and has nearly $2.5 million cash on hand. After rolling out the first three chapters of his comprehensive Business Plan for Virginia and building a statewide grassroots operation, McAuliffe's broad financial support highlights why he is the candidate best positioned to run against Republican Bob McDonnell in November.

"We are thrilled with the grassroots and fundraising support we have received over the last few months," McAuliffe campaign manager Mike Henry said. "Virginians are looking for a governor who will continue the Warner-Kaine tradition of leadership and bring both business and executive experience to Richmond. Terry's decades of experience creating jobs and turning around struggling businesses, as well as his detailed plans to get Virginia's economy back on track, have resonated with Virginia voters."

After raising nearly $1 million from Virginia donors in 6 weeks during the previous fundraising period, McAuliffe has now raised a total of approximately $5.2 million from over 3,440 contributors.

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

Virginia is losing out in the film industry competition

Loudoun Times-Mirror
April 7, 2009
Jack Goldstone

These days, states are competing for jobs. High-paying, non-polluting, creative and rewarding jobs are the most fiercely contested. Most of these gains will take place over the long term, through smart investments in high-growth industries, such as green energy. But there is one often-overlooked industry that can immediately bring revenue and jobs into the Commonwealth: the entertainment and film industry.

The entertainment and film industry is a trillion-dollar global behemoth. Production costs of a single major film average around $100 million. Even filming a single car or fashion commercial can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in local business, not to mention the publicity value of showing attractive locales to potential tourists and business investors.

Virginia is losing out in this competition, as other states act to provide generous incentives to production companies, allocate funds for educating filmmakers and technicians, and vigorously promote themselves as locales for entertainment production.

This year, Virginia’s General Assembly provided $775,000 for the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund. By contrast, Texas governor Rick Perry requested $60 million in funds to promote film production in the Lone Star State; Pennsylvania currently has $75 million in tax credits to spend. And neither of those states is among the leaders in providing film incentives to Hollywood – direct competitors to Virginia such as Louisiana, North Carolina, and Florida all spend even more, ranking among the top ten states in offering tax incentives to producers who film there. Meanwhile, Virginia’s film incentives are among the smallest in the country.

Despite these disparities, in 2007 Virginia still ranked 11th among all states in film production revenues. The Commonwealth’s natural beauty – from the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge to the coastal tidelands – its unparalleled wealth of historical sites, and its uniquely attractive and important settings (the Pentagon, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Charlottesville to name just a few) make Virginia a magnet for filmmakers. Projects by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg are seeking to build on such stunning successes as HBO’s “John Adams” mini-series, which spent $80 million in Virginia and employed 3500 Virginians as crew, actors, extras, and supporting personnel. Altogether, in 2007 the Commonwealth benefitted to the tune of $732 million spent on lodging, restaurants, rental companies, transportation, and services connected to filming in the state, and since 1980 the direct economic contribution from filming has totaled more than $3 billion.

Virginia has a great opportunity to expand its share of the film business, and bring thousands of high-paying clean jobs to the Commonwealth, by capitalizing on its many natural and historical attractions by offering competitive incentives to producers who film here.

Of the current candidates for governor, former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe has so far led the charge on this issue, pledging to boost funding for the Motion Picture Opportunity Fund and offering film production companies the chance to recoup up to twenty percent of their Virginia purchases and payroll costs through a rebate or a transferable tax credit. McAuliffe would also offer support for film programs at Virginia schools and direct state agencies to make office space available to qualifying projects. These proposals will go a long way towards bringing Virginia’s filming incentives in line with our competitors.

McAuliffe’s plan is not without its caveats: he will have to make sure that his additional incentives do not create costly subsidies to filmmakers that exceed benefits to the state and that the incentives meet the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Still, McAuliffe clearly understands the importance of this issue, and he deserves credit for offering a detailed plan to boost Virginia's competitiveness in this arena. Other candidates would be wise to offer similar proposals.

Across the country, states are competing for billions of dollars in revenues from filming and entertainment. Virginia has enormous natural advantages and great opportunities to win that competition; all we need is a bit more support from our political leaders to help more Virginians prosper from this global enterprise.

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

A swing through Salem, Roanoke and Lynchburg

We spent the past few days talking to folks in Salem, Roanoke and Lynchburg… Places where the unemployment rate is growing by the day. Folks down there are hurting. In all of my stops, I ask how many people have recently lost jobs—I see way too many raised hands. That’s why I’m running for Governor. We’ve got to get Virginia’s economy back on track by creating jobs. I’m tired of seeing the cuts—deep budget cuts that are hitting the bone. And we can’t raise taxes in a down economy. We can secure Virginia’s future by becoming a leader in Green Energy jobs. Virginia can’t afford to let these jobs continue to go to other states. We need a mandatory renewable energy standard. We need to be serious about Green jobs.

Last week I announced a COMPLETE BAN ON PAY DAY LENDING. Predatory loan practices are destroying Virginia families in the most at-risk communities. In Roanoke, I met several families who had lost cars and gotten deep into debt because of these loans that charge over 200% interest a year. I drove down Azalea Avenue in Richmond last week and saw 4 pay day lending shops on one block. It’s got to stop. I want these businesses gone – out of Virginia.

Everywhere I go, I’m so excited to see so many people engaged, asking questions about my plans. In Lynchburg, young people I talked to at Starlight Café had lots of questions about education. That’s another topic I’m passionate about. I want Virginia to have the most educated workforce in the country, and I want college to be affordable and within reach for all Virginia families. That’s why I’ve announced a student loan forgiveness plan for anyone in who’ll give service to the Commonwealth’s most high risk communities. I’m talking about big ideas. You want a governor waking up every day thinking about you and the Commonwealth, and that’s the kind of governor I’ll be.

Tags: college, economy, education, energy, ideas, jobs, lynchburg, macker, mcauliffe, pay day lending, renewable energy, roanoke, salem, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Campaign Statement on Moran Campaign's Distortions of McAuliffe's Business Plan for Virginia

Today, McAuliffe campaign spokeswoman Elisabeth Smith released the following statement regarding the Moran campaign's distortions of McAuliffe's Business Plan for Virginia:

"It's disappointing that the Moran campaign has chosen to deliberately misrepresent Terry's Business Plan for Virginia, but we welcome the opportunity to clarify this part of his Plan.

"Terry's Plan sets out the ambitious goal of making Virginia a national leader in renewable energy - which means making sure that every part of Virginia benefits. For example, Terry's business plan includes proposals to turn agricultural waste into energy and make sure that rural areas in the commonwealth, especially those hardest hit by the economic downturn, have opportunities to bring in new green jobs.

"One way Virginia's state government can take the lead is by demonstrating foresight in the construction of state facilities. For example, if a new state facility were to be built in a particular region of the state served by mass transit, Terry would work to locate the building near mass transit. However, Terry recognizes that not every city in our Commonwealth has access to mass transportation - and that shouldn't prevent us from locating new state buildings in the areas that are most appropriate to their purpose. If a new facility can and should be sited in an area like Southwest Virginia, where mass transit is not an option, he would support – and encourage - building or leasing there, and holding the building to the highest efficiency standards.

"Terry believes that we don't have to choose energy efficiency or jobs - we can pursue both and ensure that every part of the state sees the benefits. Throughout this campaign, Terry has offered substantive, in-depth ideas for getting Virginia's economy back on track, and we'd be happy to answer any additional questions about this or any other aspect of the Plan."

Tags: economy, energy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, renewable energy, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, virginia

McAuliffe stumps in Roanoke

April 6, 2009
The Roanoke Times
Cody Lowe

Terry McAuliffe, widely considered the front-runner among the three candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor, brought his high-energy campaign to the Roanoke Valley again over the weekend.

McAuliffe stepped out of a black sport utility vehicle about 1:30 p.m. Sunday into a group of about 30 supporters at Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea on the Roanoke City Market.

He delivered his message to an assembly that ranged from young, pierced-lipped skateboarders to gray-haired supporters still in their church clothes. McAuliffe himself apologized for being late, saying the church service he attended at Garden of Prayer No. 7 ran longer than expected, "and you can't just get up and walk out of that."

The former chairman of the Democratic National Committee launched into a spirited encapsulation of his platform to grow the state's economy and create jobs; find new and more efficient energy sources, without offshore drilling; lower tuition at state colleges and universities; improve both highway and rail transportation; and improve access to health care, particularly Medicaid.

McAuliffe, who lives in Fairfax County, noted that the state's gubernatorial campaign has garnered more national attention than usual as one of only two scheduled this fall. The only Republican candidate, former state Attorney General Bob McDonnell, made a similar observation during a campaign stop in Roanoke on Monday.

Both states' elections likely will be seen as barometers of President Obama's performance, as well as of the actions of the Democrat-controlled Congress.

McAuliffe will face former Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria and State Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County in a Democratic primary on June 9.

Taking questions from his audience, McAuliffe said that although he supports equal rights for gays and lesbians, the state had spoken against gay marriage with the 2006 passage of a constitutional amendment prohibiting it. He said he wouldn't take campaign contributions from any company that received Troubled Assets Relief Program money. And he vowed to do everything he could to weaken the state's application of the so-called "Dillon Rule," a 19th-century directive that essentially reserves all powers not specifically delegated to local governments to the state.

Tags: economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, roanoke, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, transportation, va-gov, virginia

Friday Governors Line: A "Once in a Generation" Election

April 3, 2009
The Washington Post
Chris Cillizza

10. Virginia (D controlled-2009): It's tough to handicap this race until June 10 when we know the identity of the Democratic nominee. Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe continues to impress -- rolling out a detailed plan to revive the Virginia economy and picking up labor endorsements, the latest of which came from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. (The Post's Virginia governor's race page has everything you could want on this contest.) Former state Del. Brian Moran continues to attack McAuliffe but it isn't clear how effective those hits have been. State Sen. Creigh Deeds, the only one of the trio not from northern Virginia, is biding his time in hopes that McAuliffe and Moran destroy one another and he can shoot the gap. A sidenote: The Fix will be moderating a debate between McAuliffe, Moran and Deeds on May 19 at Northern Virginia Community College. (Previous ranking: 9)

Tags: economy, endorsements, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, virginia governor

McAuliffe the policy wonk, McAuliffe the attack dog

April 3, 2009
Decision Virginia

Terry McAuliffe came to Richmond on Thursday to unveil the third chapter in his business plan. The plan is the key policy piece in his argument that he is the best candidate for Governor of Virginia.

McAuliffe spoke to a small group of business leaders in Richmond and outlined his belief that economic security for the indvidual is as important a concept as the growth of industry and job creation. He broke down three important aspects of economic security: access to health care, affordable education and retirement security. It is the candidate’s belief that if individuals are more secure in each of their individual situations, the overall health of the commonwealth will improve.

You can read his entire release and see video from his stop in Richmond after the jump…

While McAuliffe was touting his think policy wonk friendly business plan during the morning, he spent the afternoon attempting to rile up his base, with an offhanded joke used at a recent Bob McDonnell fundraiser. McAuliffe and his team attacked the GOP candidate for Governor for standing next to former Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee while he told a joke he has told many times before about keeping non-McDonnell voters from the polls. You can see what Huck said here.

McAuliffe camp the idea of “voter supression” no laughing matter. He held a conference call where he asked McDonnell to condemn Huckabee’s comments. He also used the clip as a way to raise money. The campaign sent out an e-mail to supporters expressing their outrage and asking for cash to beat back McDonnell’s efforts.

The McDonnell campaign decided against taking McAuliffe’s advice. A spokesman said the attack “demonstrates a complete lack of perspective and seriousness. ” It is also worth pointing out that jokes like these are not uncommon on the campaign trail by Republicans and Democrats. In fact President Barack Obama himself made a similar joke on the campaign trail (h/t Shad Plank).

I think what is more interesting is how McAuliffe can work two different angles at virtually the same time. It is an advantage that only a campaign with his resources can do. Not only does the Macker have the staff to compile a comprehensive document, thick with ideas on how to fix the economy, but at almost the exact same time they can research tid-bits on their opponent and release a layered attack that reaches out to the press and potential donors. It is something that at this point, he is the only candidate capable of doing.

Tags: business plan, economy, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, richmond, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, voter suppression, voting, voting rights

Weekly Blog Roundup 4/3/09

Welcome to another installment of our weekly blog roundup. This week, bloggers took note of Terry's growing momentum, with new endorsements and the announcement of new ideas. Terry is taking a stand and raising the bar in this race.

Rachel Weiner at The Huffington Post discussed comments made by Mike Huckabee promoting voter suppression tactics. While campaigning for Bob McDonnell this week, Huckabee told a crowd of Republicans that if they know people who aren’t going to vote for Bob, it’s their job to “Let the air out of their tires” and “keep ‘em home.”

McDonnell's fans laughed, but Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe isn't amused. He sent a letter to his own supporters highlighting Huckabee's comments. "People died for the right to vote in this country," he writes, "and we have to protect it."

Lowell at Blue Virginia praised Terry for calling for a ban on payday lenders in Virginia.

In contrast to Moran and Deeds, McAuliffe "wants Virginia to join about a dozen states and prohibit the lenders altogether." On this one, I'm strongly with Terry McAuliffe. This also points out how being in Richmond for a long time can be problematic, as I strongly believe that the entire system in our state's capital is corrupted by money from special interests and big corporations (e.g., Dominion Power, the payday lending industry). I also strongly believe it's time for change in the culture of Richmond, and think we're most likely to see that from someone who hasn't BEEN in Richmond for much of their adult life.

Joel McDonald wrote a great post at Virginia Beach Progressives, highlighting how important it is that Democrats keep their eye on the ball. There is a stark difference between the Democratic candidates in this race, who all want to grow our economy and create jobs, and Bob McDonnell, who wants to roll back the progress we've made with Governors Warner and Kaine.

So let’s come together and focus on each candidates positive qualities that will aid them in beating Bob McDonnell in November. People will respond to the positive more easily than the negative. Let’s generate positive buz in areas that McDonnell can’t. Let’s build up each of our potential nominees so that no matter who wins, a solid foundation for a win in November is built. Let’s focus on winning.

At Blue Virginia Lowell also reported on Terry’s call for prohibiting gifts and trips from lobbyists for legislators and executive-branch officials.

McAuliffe, a McLean resident and former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, also proposed a state-run "sunshine Web site" -- similar to one operated by the nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project -- as a clearinghouse for data on political fundraising and related legislative activity. It's about time somebody in Virginia proposed these measures. Right now, the amount of money and free goodies from the lobbyists who swarm over Richmond is completely out of control.

At New Dominion Project, Bryan reported on Terry’s endorsement from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Enployees (AFSCME). He noted Terry’s commitment to working families in Virginia.

Since Terry will be leading the state government and have some impact on local governments if he's elected governor, I think this is an endorsement that's worth noting... I'm therefore pleased to see that Terry is reaching out to labor's leadership.

Tags: afscme, bloggers, blogs, business plan, democrats, economy, endorsements, macker, mcdonnell, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, weekly blog roundup

McAuliffe Highlights Plan to Promote Homeownership

Gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe today highlighted his plan to encourage homeownership and keep homeowners in their homes. McAuliffe proposed measures to educate consumers on financial issues, create savings accounts for first-time homebuyers, and protect consumers from predatory lending practices.

"The severity of the current financial crisis overall, and the mortgage crisis in particular, undermines the most basic part of the American dream: homeownership," McAuliffe said. "Much is happening at the federal level to address the mortgage crisis and under Governor Kaine, Virginia has taken bold and aggressive steps to address the issues raised in the current crisis. We need to look beyond the crisis and keep our eye on the long-term goal: increasing homeownership for all in a sensible and realistic way."

McAuliffe's Plan includes the following provisions:

Develop tax-free Homeownership Savings Accounts for first-time homebuyers. Modeled after Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), taxpayers can set aside a certain amount of tax-free money to save for purchasing their first home.

Improve our citizens' financial literacy. Our neighbors in Delaware are the pioneers in this area – there, State Treasurer, now Governor Jack Markell started the Money School to offer free classes to give people financial tools to understand and control their financial futures. McAuliffe's proposal will do something similar in Virginia to help people improve their financial well-being, set financial goals, plan for homeownership, and save for retirement.

Create a commonwealth-funded revolving loan program to help qualified low-income homebuyers. For some potential homebuyers, initial financing, or refinancing for more favorable terms, is not an option in this tight credit market. There are examples around the country, like the Minnesota Home Ownership Program, which offers silent second mortgages to qualified homebuyers. McAuliffe's proposal will provide a revolving fund to partner with low-income homebuyers to hold second mortgages until properties are sold. Similar projects are being done in cities around the country and can be replicated here in Virginia. McAuliffe proposes we establish such a program in areas that are particularly hard hit by the mortgage crisis, such as Prince William County. McAuliffe will set standards to ensure that individuals looking to buy a home are qualified in order to access a loan.

Continue the Governor's Foreclosure Prevention Task Force. Governor Kaine acted quickly and decisively to get legislation passed to address many of the most immediate problems: In Virginia, consumers with "high-risk mortgages" now have additional time to resolve problems before default procedures are completed; loan servicers have additional restrictions; and additional housing counselors are funded to help consumers work through issues before defaulting on their mortgages. McAuliffe would continue the Task Force, a group of state agency representatives, lenders, realtors, and housing advocates – and its website that provides information to homeowners. The Task Force is charged with, among other things, identifying and increasing resources for homeowners. This function will continue to be integral as the federal government continues to address the mortgage crisis.

Institute further Protections for Consumers including: Limiting mortgage companies' ability to collect high-spread premiums and charge prepayment penalties Putting a stop to negatively amortizing mortgages that effectively strip equity from a home as soon as a homeowner purchases it, leading ultimately to foreclosure. Prohibiting foreclosure rescuers from gaining power of attorney from a homeowner. Establishing a Foreclosure Mediation Program, allowing a neutral mediator to work with the homeowner and lender to reach a fair, voluntary agreement. Lenders will be required to notify borrowers of the program. Establishing a foreclosure prevention hotline administered through the Foreclosure Prevention Task Force, to better connect borrowers with the resources they need to avoid foreclosure.

Tags: economy, foreclosure, home buying, homeownership, loans, macker, mcauliffe, mortgages, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, 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

State’s economic problems emerge as major force in the campaign

April 2, 2009
The Washington Post
Sandhya Somashekhar

The economic crisis is never far away as the four candidates for governor campaign across Virginia, and two of them yesterday provided a look at proposals they're offering in response.

The ideas unveiled yesterday include an initiative to lure Hollywood film crews to the state and a plan to create opportunities for small businesses and businesses owned by women and minorities.

The policy rollouts came as the Virginia Employment Commission reported that unemployment rose to its highest level since 1992. The rate hit 7 percent in February, up from 6.4 percent in January, but remained below the national average of 8.9 percent. Some of the local numbers are much worse, with Martinsville experiencing a 20.2 percent jobless rate.

Economic issues are likely to dominate the campaign in the months leading up to the June 9 Democratic primary, and on into the general election. Terry McAuliffe, Brian Moran and state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds are locked in a struggle for the Democratic nomination. Meanwhile, Robert F. McDonnell, the sole Republican contender, is preparing for what may be a tight race for the governor's mansion in November.

At George Mason University yesterday, McAuliffe said Virginia's appeal to Hollywood filmmakers could improve the state's economic picture. McAuliffe said he became familiar with the potency of the film industry while serving as chairman of the Democratic National Committee.

During a roundtable discussion with local filmmakers and producers at George Mason, he unveiled a proposal to offer additional tax incentives and other benefits to film crews making movies in Virginia. He said the state has been losing out to such states as North Carolina and Georgia, which offer greater benefits and have seen their film industries flourish.

He pointed to the HBO miniseries "John Adams," about the nation's second president, as an example of a film project that had benefited the state. The miniseries, filmed partly in Williamsburg and at the College of William and Mary, cost Virginia $1.25 million in tax breaks, but it boosted the local economy by $80 million and created 3,500 jobs, he said.

"We literally could create thousands of jobs here," he said. "This is a moneymaker."

During a campaign event in Norfolk, former state delegate Brian Moran unveiled a proposal to help small businesses and businesses owned by women and minorities by expanding access to government contracts.

According to the campaign's figures, less than 2 percent of state spending on contracts went to businesses owned by women and minorities, compared with 17 percent in Maryland and 13 percent in Texas. Moran's view is that improving access to state contracts for those business would help kick-start the economy, said Jesse Ferguson, Moran's spokesman.

"Brian's plan is to restart the slumping economy, and he's going to do it by building from the bottom up," he said.

The third Democrat in the race, Deeds (D-Bath), attended an event heralding increased rail service between the Lynchburg area and points north, which he said will spur economic growth.

At the Kemper Street station in Lynchburg, Deeds joined Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) at a gathering of rail supporters to celebrate a planned increase in freight and passenger service along rail lines connecting the Lynchburg area with Northern Virginia and the District.

A healthy economy depends on improving public transportation, which will ease traffic congestion and benefit the environment, Deeds said. "I think it's the most important thing we can do to create jobs in this commonwealth," he said.

The Republican candidate, former state attorney general Robert F. McDonnell, took a whirlwind trip through diners and cafes from Winchester to the Eastern Shore as part of his campaign kickoff tour this week. At every stop, voters expressed anxiety about mounting job losses across the state and the country, said J. Tucker Martin, McDonnell's spokesman.

"The geography changes, but the topic doesn't," Martin said in a phone interview during a campaign stop at a seafood restaurant in the Eastern Shore town of Melfa. "The topic is always jobs."

Tags: economy, film industry, ideas, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, unemployment, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Unveils Health, Education Plans

April 2, 2009
The Washington post
Anita Kumar

This morning, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe rolled out plans to make healthcare more affordable, increase access to higher education and secure retirement savings.

"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."

The three Democratic candidates for governor are feverishly campaigning across the state, releasing policy proposals several times a week. Yesterday, McAuliffe and rival Brian Moran unveiled proposals to lure Hollywood film crews to the state and boost the number of businesses owned by women and minorities.

Today, McAuliffe proposed offering unemployed workers low-interest loans to help buy health insurance or allowing them to buy into existing state health insurance programs or other health plans.

McAuliffe also proposed creating a "Scholars for Service" loan forgiveness program, increased marketing for the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program and guaranteeing help for any student based on need who successfully completes certain requirements.

He pledged to create a state IRA that would allow small employers to offer a voluntary reitrement savings program to their employees and allow workers in private companies to participate in the state's deferred compensation program.

Tags: economy, education, health insurance, mcauliffe, 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

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

VA GUBE: Boilermakers For McAuliffe

March 31, 2009
The National Journal’s Hotline On Call

The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO, today endorsed Democrat Terry McAuliffe for governor of Virginia, "citing Terry's energetic, fresh, approach to create and protect jobs."

The Boilermakers represent more than 2,500 workers throughout the Commonwealth. Boilermakers International President Newton B. Jones lauded McAuliffe, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, for fighting for working families:

"Terry stands with those who are the heart and soul of this great Commonwealth - those who clock in early and often work late, those who build and maintain our energy infrastructure and repair our Naval vessels, those who make Virginia great through their simple daily contribution to our economy and our way of life, among them, Boilermaker members.

"Terry has spent years fighting for working families. Like millions of other Americans, Boilermakers are nervous about the economy and about their future, and their children's future. There is uncertainty and concern, but also hope. We believe our best days are ahead of us and Terry is the best answer to Virginia's need for a leader who can take on some very tough challenges and build a stronger economy."

This is McAuliffe's second organizational endorsement of the week. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) announced its support for McAuliffe, who is vying with state Sen. Creigh Deeds and former Del. Brian Moran, for the party's nomination.

Tags: boilermakers, economy, endorsements, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

VA GUBE: AFSCME Endorses McAuliffe

March 30, 2009
The National Journal’s Hotline On Call
Jennifer Skala

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest union in the AFL-CIO, endorsed Terry McAuliffe today for Virginia governor. In a release, AFSCME, which has more than 10,000 union and household members in Virginia, cited McAuliffe's "leadership, business experience and bold vision for Virginia." The group added that McAuliffe, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, "has been a longtime supporter of AFSCME's and working family issues."

"In these tough economic times, it is more critical than ever that we work to grow the economy," said AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee. "AFSCME members are on the front-line delivering Virginia's public services, and we can see all too clearly that Virginians' needs are greater than ever. Terry McAuliffe understands those needs. He will work to address rising unemployment head-on by creating new jobs and new opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. Not only do we support his vision of a stronger Virginia, we will be proud to work with him to make it happen."

McAuliffe is vying with two Virginia lawmakers -- former Del. Brian Moran and state Sen. Creigh Deeds -- for his party's nomination. Quarterly financial reports will be released in April, and McAuliffe, who has already aired television ads in critical pockets of the state, Hampton Roads and Richmond, is expected to far outraise his rivals.

But the true X factor in this contest is turnout in an off-year primary contest, the likes of which Virginians haven't seen for decades. Today's endorsement is no doubt a boost for McAuliffe, whom his rivals have tried to paint as an interloper in state politics. Big labor can help with a candidate's ground game. And the thinking in political circles is that higher turnout benefits McAuliffe, who is trying to draw new, younger voters into the process. If the majority of those who vote June 9 are members of the party faithful, the more familiar Deeds or Moran could break through.

The AFSCME endorsement, meanwhile, adds to a broader sense of momentum for McAuliffe, who won a recent annual political Northern Virginia straw poll by double digits.

"I am proud to have earned AFSCME's endorsement," McAuliffe said in a statement. "Every day, their members are working to serve the people of Virginia, and I will be honored to have them at my side. Together, we will work to create quality jobs and establish Virginia as a leader in the new economy."

Tags: afscme, economy, endorsements, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Endorses McAuliffe for Governor

Today, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest union in the AFL-CIO, endorsed Terry McAuliffe for Governor of Virginia. AFSCME, which has more than 10,000 union and household members in Virginia, cited McAuliffe's leadership, business experience and bold vision for Virginia, calling him the candidate best equipped to get Virginia's economy back on track. McAuliffe has been a longtime supporter of AFSCME's and working family issues.

"In these tough economic times, it is more critical than ever that we work to grow the economy," said AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee. "AFSCME members are on the front-line delivering Virginia's public services, and we can see all too clearly that Virginians' needs are greater than ever. Terry McAuliffe understands those needs. He will work to address rising unemployment head-on by creating new jobs and new opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. Not only do we support his vision of a stronger Virginia, we will be proud to work with him to make it happen."

Last Monday, McAuliffe unveiled the second chapter of his Business Plan for Virginia, which focused on measures to create, attract, and keep good jobs with good benefits for every Virginian family. Throughout the chapter, McAuliffe emphasized Virginia's skilled and dedicated workers as one of the Commonwealth's greatest assets.

"I am proud to have earned AFSCME's endorsement," said McAuliffe. "Every day, their members are working to serve the people of Virginia, and I will be honored to have them at my side. Together, we will work to create quality jobs and establish Virginia as a leader in the new economy."

Tags: afscme, economy, endorsements, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, unions, 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

Too far

Today, one of our Democratic opponents took their attacks against Terry too far. Virginia Democrats have worked too long and too hard to stand by and watch the divisiveness that's plagued the Republicans start poisoning our Party just when we've had great success.

Everyone knows that Terry McAuliffe supported Hillary Clinton in the primaries. But the day after she got out of the race, he hit the road fighting for Barack Obama. Terry spent the last 30 years of his life volunteering to advance Democratic causes; he even built from scratch the voter file that that helped Barack Obama win in Virginia. And to insinuate that he is a traitor to our Party is beyond nonsense -- it is a Karl Rove-style attack.

I've always said that this primary was going to get rough, but in all the years I've worked in Virginia politics, I've never seen another Democrat use the kind of smear tactics that are being used against Terry for taking a bipartisan approach to politics - just like Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Jim Webb and Barack Obama.

Click Here to Get the Facts about the Attacks Against Terry.

Terry's the most positive person I've ever come across, and we've made it clear from day one that this campaign isn't going to attack other Democrats. Republican nominee Bob McDonnell is the one who's fought Governors Warner and Kaine's agenda to move Virginia forward over the last seven years, so we're saving our criticism for him.

But you better believe that we're going to set the record straight when our opponents start flinging mud Terry's way. That's why today, I want to share with you a portion of our website where you can get the information you need to fight back against misleading attacks and spread the truth. We're counting on you.

Click Here to Get the Facts about the Attacks Against Terry.

We cannot let these petty political games get in the way of the real issues facing our Commonwealth. That's why Terry's taken a different approach in this campaign.

Just yesterday the Richmond Times Dispatch wrote that "McAuliffe invites other contenders to focus on issues of genuine substance rather than petty personal attacks and cheap, zinger-of-the-day point-scoring." The newspaper said that "his substantive pitches have raised expectations and pointed the way toward a different, more high-toned campaign."

This campaign starts with you. And we're counting on your help to spread the truth so that we can focus on urgent economic problems staring us in the face.

Click Here to Get the Facts about the Attacks Against Terry.

The bottom line is that stakes are way too high for Democrats to be tearing each other down. Sustained job creation, health insurance for our families, and progress in public education all depend on continued forward-thinking Democratic leadership in the governor's office.

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

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

Great Expectations

March 25th, 2009
Editorial
Richmond Times-Dispatch

Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe is not only raising the volume of the gubernatorial contest. He is also raising the bar.

McAuliffe is rolling out a series of position papers on energy and business that go well beyond the typical two-page brochure full of bromides. This is not to say they eschew bromides; they include plenty. But they include more than mere bromides. In this day and age, that's commendable.

It's also risky. Staking out policy details invites scrutiny and a demand for more. How, for instance, does McAuliffe plan to "improve the efficiency of home natural gas furnaces"? How will his emphasis on fostering innovative technology avoid redundancy in state efforts? (Virginia already has a Center for Innovative Technology, for instance.) How would his attempt to streamline the regulatory permitting process differ from similar attempts in the past?

McAuliffe's latest proposal calls for a pilot program in which the state would help businesses defray the cost of their federal payroll taxes. That looks a lot like former Gov. Jim Glimore's car-tax relief, which uses state funds to offset local revenue lost by rolling back the personal-property tax. Some state Democrats have long criticized car-tax relief as little more than a tax-revenue shell game.

Yet by inviting such questions, McAuliffe invites other contenders to focus on issues of genuine substance rather than petty personal attacks and cheap, zinger-of-the-day point-scoring. 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.

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

McAuliffe reveals plan to revive jobs

March 24th, 2009
Garren Shipley
The Northern Virginia Daily

With Virginia's economy shedding jobs and unemployment rising, the campaigns of the three Democratic gubernatorial candidates are finding a common, familiar refrain.

As Bill Clinton's lead political strategist, James Carville, famously said during the 1992 presidential race, "It's the economy, stupid."

Unemployment in the Old Dominion rose to 6.4 percent in January after seeing rates as low as 3 percent in 2006, according to the Virginia Employment Commission. Manufacturing wages and hours worked also fell.

All four gubernatorial candidates have pushed the economy to the forefront of their campaigns, as they slug it out in advance of the June primary for the Democrats' spot on the November ballot.

The winner will face former Republican Attorney General Bob McDonnell.

Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe rolled out the second part of his campaign's "Business Plan for Virginia" on Monday, emphasizing help for Virginia's small businesses and areas of high unemployment.

Under his plan, businesses that create jobs in high unemployment areas would get help from Richmond in paying their federal tax bills -- a refund of the higher federal payroll taxes levied for employees in Virginia.

But there are caveats.

"These jobs will have to offer benefits, such as health insurance, and will have to be in high-growth industries, like energy," McAuliffe said.

Former Del. Brian Moran, D-Alexandria, picked up the theme last week, introducing his vision of a retooled state government to protect taxpayers.

In addition to streamlined procurement procedures for state purchases, all programs would face a sunset review panel, which would review every program in state government once every 10 years.

Programs that aren't needed would be discontinued.

Other states have found significant cost savings by creating review commissions. Texas saved $37 for every $1 it spent on its panel, according to Moran's campaign.

Economic issues are also the top priority for Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, the third Democratic entrant in the race.

Bringing jobs back to the commonwealth means re-tooling the state's community college system to retrain workers, the campaign says in a statement.

"Every Virginian is within an hour's drive of a community college -- creating the perfect infrastructure to train or retrain workers for new jobs," Deeds' campaign said.

"North Carolina is using its community college system to take laid off $15,000 per year textile workers and training them to be $40 to $50 per hour pharmaceutical manufacturing workers," Deeds' campaign said.

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

McAuliffe emphasizes revitalization

March 24th, 2009
John Crane
The Danville Register & Bee

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe unveiled the second chapter of his statewide business plan Monday at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research.

He emphasized the need for tax incentives for industries to deliver high-paying jobs to economically depressed Southside Virginia, as well as strengthening existing small businesses.

“I will not be satisfied until every part of Virginia sees economic growth,” McAuliffe said.

The first chapter of his plan was revealed about two weeks ago and focused on renewable energy. The second part stresses revitalizing the economy and creating good jobs in Virginia.

McAuliffe said he would make sure his plan is tailored to different regions’ respective needs.

“My No. 1 job as governor will be to create and attract good jobs,” McAuliffe said.

McAuliffe pointed to the Southside region’s high unemployment rates, with the city of Danville at 16.8 percent and the city of Martinsville at 18 percent.

To alleviate joblessness, the candidate said he would establish a pilot program to award tax incentives to employers who bring high-wage jobs to the area.

For example, if a company employs more Virginia workers, or pays them higher wages, the commonwealth will pay the extra payroll taxes the federal government imposes compared to the previous year, McAuliffe said. Those jobs must be in high-growth industries, such as energy, and offer benefits, he said.

“I want to create jobs in the industries of the future,” McAuliffe said.

Part of that plan is to offer grants to communities to help them purchase large tracts of land for mega-park projects offering at least 1,000 jobs, he said, pledging to focus on incentives like financial assistance, infrastructure development grants and tax credits.

Small businesses are the backbone of this state, McAuliffe said, noting almost half of the state’s work force is employed by small businesses.

“We need to help small businesses to start up and to flourish in Virginia,” he said.

McAuliffe said he would expand small business incubators that provide resources to them like office space, supplies, advice for startups and help accessing capital. He said he would create more types of assistance for startups and allow startups in high-growth industries to defer their taxes for several years.

The former chairman of the Democratic National Committee also pledged to form an advisory committee to keep him abreast of up-and-coming economic issues unique to each region in the state.

During an interview after the presentation, McAuliffe, who was stumping in Danville the same day as Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, would not comment on the issue of uranium mining.

Virginia Uranium Inc. seeks to mine and mill a 119-million-pound uranium ore deposit at Coles Hill about six miles northeast of Chatham. The Virginia Coal & Energy Commission’s Uranium Mining Subcommittee is overseeing a study to determine whether uranium can be mined and milled safely in the state.

“Let’s wait to see the results of the study,” McAuliffe said.

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

McAuliffe would use tax incentives to attract new jobs

March 24th, 2009
Michael Sluss
The Roanoke Times

New tax breaks and more generous incentives can help Virginia create and keep jobs and boost economies in struggling areas of the state, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe said Monday.

McAuliffe said that Virginia should offer new and more generous incentives to compete with other states for major employers, particularly in emerging industries such as renewable energy. He announced his proposals during a visit to Danville, part of a region struggling with high unemployment rates.

"The smartest strategies for sustained economic growth do not focus on creating or retaining just any business or job to Virginia," McAuliffe said. "Instead, we need to go out and attract those sustainable industries that will grow in the future, that will pay good wages, that will include good benefits."

McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, is battling state Sen. Creigh Deeds and former state Del. Brian Moran for the party's nomination, which will be decided in a June 9 primary. Former attorney general Bob McDonnell is the presumptive Republican nominee and will begin a formal campaign kickoff tour Saturday.

McAuliffe's announcement Monday covered the second element of his emerging "business plan" for the state.

He proposed a pilot tax credit program to lure high-growth industries with generous wages and benefits to areas with high unemployment rates. Under his proposal, the state would refund any increase in federal payroll taxes paid by a company that employs more Virginia workers or increases their wages. But the state would benefit, he said.

"The good news about a program like this [is] you're not doing this unless new jobs are being created," McAuliffe said in a conference call with reporters. "So I'm going to have someone new paying state taxes and new revenue for us."

McAuliffe also called for an additional $10 million in the Governor's Opportunity Fund, a discretionary "deal-closing" fund that provides grants for infrastructure and site improvements for new and expanding businesses. And he proposed creating regional site planning grants that local governments could use for planning of sites suitable for major business prospects.

McAuliffe's plan also includes steps to boost access to capital for new and expanding businesses, such as creation of a $10 million revolving fund that could be used for direct investments in "homegrown businesses" with significant growth potential. Similar steps have been taken in other states, he said.

In a conference call, McAuliffe batted away questions about the prospects of uranium mining in Pittsylvania County, saying he will await completion of a study before taking a position on the issue.

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

McAuliffe unveils new business plan

March 23rd, 2009
WAVY.com

Joined by community members in Danville, gubernatorial Terry McAuliffe today unveiled the second chapter of his Business Plan for Virginia, which is focused on growing Virginia's economy. Discussing his decades of experience building and turning around businesses, McAuliffe pledged that creating jobs would be his top priority in the Governor's office.

"As I've been saying wherever I go across Virginia, there's no such thing as a Republican job or a Democratic job - we simply need to bring people together to create good jobs, and that's what I've been doing my whole life," McAuliffe said. "My Business Plan for Virginia is really a jobs plan - my number one priority as Governor will be to create, attract, and keep good jobs with good wages and benefits for every Virginia family."

McAuliffe said that we must use incentives and tax credits to produce long-term growth in high-wage, high-value jobs. He pledged to target incentives like financial assistance, infrastructure development grants, tax credits and exemptions, and customized training and technical support programs to focus on the industries we know will produce strong businesses and good jobs.

To create jobs in hard-hit areas, McAuliffe pledged to establish a pilot project to award key tax incentives to create good jobs with benefits in high-need areas. This tax incentive would reward businesses for creating the good jobs we want in Virginia - by refunding to businesses each year the increase in federal payroll tax they pay over the previous year for employees in Virginia. That means that if a company employs more Virginia workers - or pays them higher wages - the Commonwealth will pay the extra taxes the federal government imposes. These jobs will have to offer benefits, such as health insurance, and will have to be in high-growth industries, like energy.

"As a businessman, I understand the challenges facing our communities today," McAuliffe said. "While we need to bring in industries that can create thousands of good jobs, we also need to help small businesses start and flourish here in Virginia. Nearly half of Virginia's workforce is employed at small businesses, so when our small businesses are successful, so are our families and communities."

Small businesses are the backbone of Virginia's economy, yet countless small and family-owned businesses are being lost each day in Virginia as the recession and the credit crunch continue. McAuliffe pledged to encourage entrepreneurs by expanding small business incubators, which provide resources such as office space and supplies, advice to start up businesses from established incubator managers, and help accessing capital.

Additionally, McAuliffe said he would propose deferring the taxable income of qualified startup businesses that allow start-ups in high-growth fields defer their taxes at the outset. These businesses would still have to pay their taxes, but they would be able to defer payment for a few years during the period they most need the money to finance job growth. McAuliffe also outlined his strategy for building regional economies.

"My business plan recognizes that different parts of Virginia have different needs," McAuliffe said. "Our economy is composed of a number of regional economies that vary significantly in their strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Today, Virginia has a statewide economic plan and a rural economic plan, but no true regional strategies. My administration will fill that critical gap."

McAuliffe pledged to involve business leaders and experts on the economic growth sectors that the state would be targeting while also ensuring broad participation through public meetings. To ensure economic growth in every corner of Virginia, McAuliffe said that he would direct all agencies in state government to promote regional efforts and, where appropriate, give preference to multi-jurisdictional proposals with a regional impact for state funding. He also outlined a plan to create a Governor's Regional Economic Advisory Committee to advise him on new and emerging economic issues unique to each part of the Commonwealth, in coordination with existing regional economic development organizations. He pledged to personally chair this Committee and hold regular meetings throughout the state with members to discuss each area's unique economic opportunities and challenges.

"I want to make one point emphatically clear," McAuliffe said. "I will not be satisfied unless every part of our state achieves its economic potential."

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

McAuliffe talks jobs in Southside Va. swing

March 24th, 2009
Jeff Schapiro
Richmond Times-Dispatch

Terry McAuliffe, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor, is in Southside Virginia today, talking about bringing jobs to the economically hard-hit region.

McAuliffe traveled to Danville this morning to roll out the latest component of what he calls a "Business Plan for Virginia." It includes tax incentives to lure big industry as well as assistance for small business.

Danville's jobless rate in 16.8 percent. In nearby Martinsville, unemployment is 18 percent. In Henry County, it's 13 percent.

McAuliffe, a New York-born investor-businessman with close ties to Bill and Hillary Clinton, is proposing a pilot program under which firms that create jobs in ailing areas would get help from the state paying their federal payroll taxes.

Under his plan, if that business hires more workers or increases their wages, the state would pay the additional taxes imposed on the company by Washington.

As for small businesses and start-ups, McAuliffe envisions more so-called incubators. Typically, they are clusters of new firms that operate from the same office, sharing equipment, storage space and some employees, such as receptionists.

McAuliffe, a former national Democratic chairman who lives in McLean, is one of three prospects for his party's gubernatorial nomination. It will be decided in a June 9 primary.

McAuliffe is opposed by state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County and former Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria.

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

Highlighting Need for Job Creation, Terry McAuliffe Unveils Chapter Two of Business Plan for Virginia

Joined by community members in Danville, gubernatorial Terry McAuliffe today unveiled the second chapter of his Business Plan for Virginia, which is focused on growing Virginia's economy. Discussing his decades of experience building and turning around businesses, McAuliffe pledged that creating jobs would be his top priority in the Governor's office.

"As I've been saying wherever I go across Virginia, there's no such thing as a Republican job or a Democratic job – we simply need to bring people together to create good jobs, and that's what I've been doing my whole life," McAuliffe said. "My Business Plan for Virginia is really a jobs plan – my number one priority as Governor will be to create, attract, and keep good jobs with good wages and benefits for every Virginia family."

McAuliffe said that we must use incentives and tax credits to produce long-term growth in high-wage, high-value jobs. He pledged to target incentives like financial assistance, infrastructure development grants, tax credits and exemptions, and customized training and technical support programs to focus on the industries we know will produce strong businesses and good jobs.

To create jobs in hard-hit areas, McAuliffe pledged to establish a pilot project to award key tax incentives to create good jobs with benefits in high-need areas. This tax incentive would reward businesses for creating the good jobs we want in Virginia – by refunding to businesses each year the increase in federal payroll tax they pay over the previous year for employees in Virginia. That means that if a company employs more Virginia workers – or pays them higher wages – the Commonwealth will pay the extra taxes the federal government imposes. These jobs will have to offer benefits, such as health insurance, and will have to be in high-growth industries, like energy.

"As a businessman, I understand the challenges facing our communities today," McAuliffe said. "While we need to bring in industries that can create thousands of good jobs, we also need to help small businesses start and flourish here in Virginia. Nearly half of Virginia's workforce is employed at small businesses, so when our small businesses are successful, so are our families and communities."

Small businesses are the backbone of Virginia's economy, yet countless small and family-owned businesses are being lost each day in Virginia as the recession and the credit crunch continue. McAuliffe pledged to encourage entrepreneurs by expanding small business incubators, which provide resources such as office space and supplies, advice to start up businesses from established incubator managers, and help accessing capital. Additionally, McAuliffe said he would propose deferring the taxable income of qualified startup businesses that allow start-ups in high-growth fields defer their taxes at the outset. These businesses would still have to pay their taxes, but they would be able to defer payment for a few years during the period they most need the money to finance job growth. McAuliffe also outlined his strategy for building regional economies.

"My business plan recognizes that different parts of Virginia have different needs," McAuliffe said. "Our economy is composed of a number of regional economies that vary significantly in their strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Today, Virginia has a statewide economic plan and a rural economic plan, but no true regional strategies. My administration will fill that critical gap."

McAuliffe pledged to involve business leaders and experts on the economic growth sectors that the state would be targeting while also ensuring broad participation through public meetings. To ensure economic growth in every corner of Virginia, McAuliffe said that he would direct all agencies in state government to promote regional efforts and, where appropriate, give preference to multi-jurisdictional proposals with a regional impact for state funding. He also outlined a plan to create a Governor's Regional Economic Advisory Committee to advise him on new and emerging economic issues unique to each part of the Commonwealth, in coordination with existing regional economic development organizations. He pledged to personally chair this Committee and hold regular meetings throughout the state with members to discuss each area's unique economic opportunities and challenges.

"I want to make one point emphatically clear," McAuliffe said. "I will not be satisfied unless every part of our state achieves its economic potential."

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

Chapter Two of My Business Plan for Virginia: Jobs

I've spent a lot of time traveling the Commonwealth, listening to Virginians tell me what's on their minds. And one thing I’ve noticed is that the people who are dealing with challenges day to day often have the best ideas about how to overcome them. Too often we see the same old policies come from the top-down. But not all good ideas come out of Richmond. They come from all corners of the Commonwealth.

That’s why I’ve spent the past several weeks asking you – online, and at economic roundtables all over Virginia – what would you do if you were governor?

Today. I’m unveiling the first chapter of my Business Plan to get Virginia’s economy moving, and I’ve incorporated a lot of great ideas that I heard from you.

I’m running for governor because I believe we need to think bigger. Instead of just focusing on how to get through the next month, the next year, or the next election, we need to think more imaginatively about how to make our Commonwealth run better. And instead of compartmentalizing our thinking – developing separate plans for “jobs,” “schools,” “health” or “the environment” – we need a coherent and comprehensive business plan for the Commonwealth that approaches all these issues as inter-related.

That’s what my plan does. Even though I’m releasing it one chapter at a time, 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 our state.

The second chapter of my Business Plan for Virginia is focused on the single most important thing we have to do to get our economy moving again -- we have to create jobs. My plan will provide incentives and tax credits to produce long-term growth in high-wage, high-value jobs with benefits in the parts of the state that need them most. I understand that not all parts of the Commonwealth are the same – and each region needs a targeted approach. That is why my plan will create competitive regional site planning grants that local governments could use to prepare for potential “mega projects” that create 1000 or more jobs. And as governor, I will continue efforts to bring renewable-energy and green businesses to Virginia and make sure we are growing not just any business, but the right businesses in the Commonwealth.

As a businessman, I understand that entrepreneurs need help so they can create good jobs. In addition to bringing in new, large industries that can create thousands of jobs, my plan will help small, women-, and minority-owned businesses start and flourish in Virginia. And I know that startup businesses need help the most to finance job growth – and that is why I propose deferring the taxable income of qualified businesses for a few years as well as providing facilities and office equipment as these firms get underway. And, my plan encourages the development and expansion of entrepreneurship programs at our institutions of higher education –particularly at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Click Here to Read Chapter Two.

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

McAuliffe's Campaign Junk-et

There is really no cleaning up the fact that Terry McAuliffe practices trash politics.

Campaign with him for a few hours and you feel as if you need to take a shower. In fact, the dirty little secret can now be told: McAuliffe, venture capitalist and Clinton moneyman, is the junkyard dog of the Virginia gubernatorial race.

"I love trash," he said yesterday. "I love chicken litter, cow manure, garbage. . . . This is the kind of thing that gets me excited."

And if his opponents were to accuse him of dirty tricks?

"They would probably be right," he admitted with a grin.

McAuliffe said these words -- shouted them, actually -- while standing on a steel grate overlooking a huge trash pit yesterday in Lorton. Claws dangling from cranes grabbed mounds of refuse. Dust flew everywhere. The pit was dark. The smell was bad.

"This is as good as it gets," McAuliffe said. "How exciting is this?" Nodding, grinning, he shouted above the mechanical groans: "Look at those claws!"

Actually, the place was a dump. And that's how McAuliffe likes it. Not since Oscar the Grouch has a creature so enjoyed his trash.

How do you turn a fast-talking, hard-partying Democratic Party apparatchik from New York who lives in McLean into a Virginia commoner? Evidently, you get him involved in solid waste. McAuliffe's campaign for governor is based in no small part on garbage.

The Macker has always comported himself with the boundless enthusiasm of a Bernese mountain dog: as entrepreneur, fundraiser, Democratic National Committee chairman and Hillary Rodham Clinton presidential campaign manager, who, on the night his candidate effectively lost the party's nomination, introduced her as "the next president of the United States."

Now McAuliffe, who speaks almost entirely in exclamation points, is applying that same zeal to being a man of the people. As part of his campaign, he has spent a day working as a busboy and a bartender. He plans to labor on a ship. "I've been an African American barber," the Irish candidate reported to his hosts at the landfill in Lorton yesterday. "You know, about three Saturdays ago, there was a grass fire out here," he told the workers at the waste plant. "You know who was on the firetruck to put it out? I was! I was a fireman that day. . . . I got those hoses out so fast, you would not have a plant today if I had not been on that truck. Saved your plant. Probably saved Northern Virginia."

Something McAuliffe is doing must be working. Thanks in large part to his personal wealth and his fundraising network, he is considered a good bet to win the Democratic gubernatorial primary in June.

Before the candidate arrived yesterday at the Covanta Energy facility, a project with Fairfax County that turns solid waste into energy, a procession of garbage trucks made its way around the hills of decomposing trash. A Chevy Tahoe hybrid pulled up and McAuliffe hopped out, holding a 7-Eleven coffee cup -- no more effete Starbucks lattes for this man of the people. He had traded in his pinstripes and wingtips for hiking boots, khakis and a V-neck sweater. Greeted by Covanta officials, he started his trash-talking immediately. "Chicken waste, trash, I love it all," he said. "Can't get enough of it."

He introduced his assistant: "He's living the dream every day. Chicken waste last week, landfill today." He introduced Peter O'Keefe, "our senior policy adviser on, uh -- waste! Behind me, he's the one who gets second most excited about waste. Right, Petey?"

"There's Terry and then a two-mile drop-off when it comes to level of excitement," O'Keefe answered.

A PowerPoint presentation was given for the candidate, who nodded vigorously, scribbled notes and interrupted continually. "Totally unrelated, but I spoke to the Boilermakers this morning," he declared. "We've got to build boilers in Virginia." He further volunteered his view that "we've got to be educating students that this is a field to go into. I wouldn't call it garbage. Spice it up a bit. Look what I've done for chicken waste in this state!"

"Okay," said the man giving the presentation. "We're running a little behind."

The officials showed McAuliffe a model of the plant and its byproducts: pit, furnace, flue gas, lime slurry, fly ash, drop house, scrubber. He reacted with "interesting" and "gotcha" and "wow" and "yup" and "hmm" and "huh." The candidate was ready for his tour. "Wow, look at this," he marveled at the slurry tower. Moving on to the pit, he watched the claws lift and drop the trash to compress it. "That was a fluff," he reported. The guide pointed out that, because of all the questions, the tour was running late. "We want to see it all," McAuliffe insisted. "Don't hold back!"

On to the furnaces, then. "Twenty-two hundred degrees!" McAuliffe shouted to his entourage. "Wow! That baby is at 2,200? Wow!"

On the elevator ride to the plant's control room, somebody asked McAuliffe whether he preferred the Lorton plant or his earlier trip to a chicken waste facility. "All of it," the candidate replied judiciously, before coming clean and acknowledging that chicken waste "was my first date."

After a close-up examination of the trash unloading operation, the millionaire fundraiser climbed onto a garbage truck to chat with prospective voters. Terry McAuliffe was in his element.

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

Nonsense

The executives at AIG just don't get it.

I supported this administration's plan to inject capital into the marketplace, but like the President, I believe that there needs to be accountability. We need to stabilize the economy and help struggling homeowners, not reward failed corporate management.

The executives who brought insurance giant AIG to the brink of failure are set to receive about $165 million in bonuses - and they don't mind if taxpayers are footing the bill.

As someone who helped save a bank from failure, I can't describe how disgusting this is. It's rewarding failure. And I need your help to stop this nonsense.

I'm happy to see that President Obama is doing everything in his power to make sure the government holds these people accountable. But they also need to hold themselves accountable. Corporate irresponsibility extends only as far as individuals who are willing to act unethically.

Yesterday, AIG's Chief Executive said he'd asked the recipients of the most excessive compensation packages to give half of their bonuses back -- and some already have. But that's not good enough. These people helped create the crisis we are in now. They don't deserve a dime.

As someone who's built businesses, I'm proud that our Commonwealth's been consistently rated the best state in the nation to do business. And if you're a CEO who's providing value to your shareholders, there shouldn't be any limits to what you can earn.

But in this economy, we all need to do our part.

First, I won't accept any corporate or corporate PAC campaign contributions from any companies receiving federal bailout money.

Second, as your governor, I'm going to donate my salary to build a gymnasium for a school that needs one. And I'll call on CEOs across Virginia to make similar commitments to help out their communities in need.

Giving hundreds of millions in bonuses to people who have run their company into the ground while countless Americans watch their jobs, homes and savings slip away is not only fundamentally unfair, it also creates an incentive structure that is just bad for business.

So please, help restore corporate responsibility and join my call to action today.

Tell AIG Executives to Reject their Bonuses.

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

The Driving Force

Because of you, we scored a big victory at Gerry Connolly's St. Patrick's Day Straw Poll this week. With the first contested Democratic gubernatorial primary fight in decades and all three candidates speaking, the stakes couldn't have been higher.

By the end of the night, the Washington Post reported that Terry "overwhelmingly won" and observed that, "McAuliffe outshined his rivals in both organization and spirit at the event." Dr. Bob Holsworth, one of Virginia's preeminent political pundits, noted that we brought new people into the process in order to win the straw poll - and that's what this campaign is all about. In addition to praising our mobilization efforts, Holsworth noted that, "McAuliffe and his campaign exult and excel in the 'theatre of politics,' more so than any Democrat since Doug Wilder."

Tuesday was a powerful testament to the strength of our grassroots support and a nice boost for our campaign. The National Journal noted that, "Connolly's event could be a key early indicator of who the faithful believe might win the day come June."

The press also picked up on our use of new technology to get our message out, observing that we

handed green carnations to supporters [Tuesday] night and urged them to hold onto the flowers until notified via text how to proceed. At 8:26 p.m., before the final count was announced, a message crossed phones and Blackberries gripped by the faithful:

"Please give your carnation to a Moran or Deeds supporter and tell them that come November, we all need to keep Virginia blue together."

[National Journal, 3-18-09]

At the end of day, we must work together to elect our nominee the 71st Governor of Virginia. As Democrats, beating Bob McDonnell has to be our focus and goal. The stakes are too high for us to be divided.

There are only 82 days until Election Day on June 9th. The polls will be open from 6 AM to 7 PM. Remember, you are the driving force behind this campaign. Thanks so much for all your help on Tuesday. Let's keep it up.

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

Terry McAuliffe's Boundless BTUs

There's something strangely familiar about watching former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe look longingly into the bowels of a massive waste treatment facility packed with thousands of tons of trash.

The admiration in his eyes for the large steel jaws that tossed around the items like winnable amusement park stuffed animals residing in the bottom of a small glass box. The sheer excitement as he gazed into the incinerator, which flamed a bright orange, burning the goods until they're ready to be shot out over the grid. As if every element of the processing facility at Covanta Energy's resource recovery complex in Lorton, Va., required his cheer.

"This is your future," McAuliffe, wearing a hard hat and goggles, bellowed into the abyss of stinking detritus below. "This is as good as it gets."

McAuliffe, you're possibly thinking, knows a thing or two about pushing party trash. He was, after all, First Friend to President Clinton, to whom he served as advocate-in-chief during the Monica Lewinsky impeachment scandal, among other sagas. He stood by Bill and Hillary Clinton through wins and losses, but he has launched his first bid for office. He wants to be governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

And hey, turning waste into energy, isn't that every politician's aim?

Some say he is bored. Others suggest he is looking for a new challenge. A vehicle for his boundless BTUs.

Waste, rather renewable energy, is a focus of his campaign for governor. Today, if it would help the state power more homes, one surmises McAuliffe would have happily been dubbed the 'King of Trash.'

"I love all waste, we need to do all of it," said McAuliffe, who likes to reminisce of late about his visits to Virginia chicken farms. Chicken waste is a pet project. The state produces 500,000 tons a year, he'll say to anyone who will listen, enough to light up 40,000 homes.

McAuliffe, a Syracuse native who has lived in McLean for 17 years, is - and those who know the former party fundraiser extraordinaire will confirm - a hyperkinetic bundle. He is vying with two other Democrats for the state's top job, and if he wins the primary, he would face a formidable Republican, former state attorney general Bob McDonnell.

So he's pouring everything he knows about being the man behind the candidate into being the one he's selling. And questions spilled out of him today without pause.

When by a Covanta official that the company has facilities in 16 states and 8 counties and is headquartered in New Jersey, McAuliffe interrupted -

"And you're open to moving those to Virginia?"

When did Covanta start?

What did it start as?

When did it go public?

What makes the company want to move to a state?

As McAuliffe talked, he even stumbled into a campaign slogan with potential:

"New energy for new jobs," he said, with a finger point for emphasis.

But when McAuliffe asked if the company is working with local community colleges to train students for jobs in the industry, the McAuliffe of old - the able spinner - emerged. McAuliffe, who started as a 20-something raising cash for President Carter's re-elect and became one of the most well-known Democratic fundraisers in modern politics, just couldn't help himself. The pitch itself is second nature.

"Garbage isn't exactly the most sexy job," said the Covanta employee who heads up external affairs.

"Well, we wouldn't call it garbage," McAuliffe advised. "We'd spice it up a little bit."

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

Waste to Power, Landfills Are Bright Spot in Virginia Gubernatorial Candidate's Energy Plan

LORTON, Va. - Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe unveiled his environmental plan, at a northern Virginia landfill, to highlight the importance of renewable resources in the commonwealth.

The former DNC chair said if elected to be Virginia's next governor, he plans to transform landfills into producers of inexpensive power. He took a tour of Covanta Energy in Lorton, which produces enough electricity to power 90,000 homes. It's a model McAuliffe hopes to replicate throughout the commonwealth.

In just days, nearly 15,000 tons of trash, mostly from Fairfax County, was collected at Covanta's energy-from-waste facility. "The Covanta facility takes in between 3 and 5,000 tons a day of municipal solid waste after recycling and we process on average, 3,000 to 3,400 tons a day of municipal waste," said Glenn.

Unlike a landfill, the plant turns waste into electricity and cuts down on the emission of harmful gases. "We generate about 85 megawatts worth of power on a net bases enough energy for about 90,000 homes in the area," said Glenn.

McAuliffe wants to expand the alternative-energy resource throughout Virginia. "An opportunity like this to come see a facility that is a win, win win, for the environment, for the local communities, to get more open space, to get more trucks off the road and the bottom line is create more energy," said McAuliffe.

Just two months into his campaign, Virginia's energy policy continues to be a priority for McAuliffe. "The first thing I would like to get done is a mandatory renewable energy standard here in Virginia," the candidate said.

So far, only 28 states have the energy-from-waste program. McAuliffe says the commonwealth is well positioned to be a leader in renewable energy technology.

"We have the oceans. We have mountains. We can build a wind farm off the coast of Virginia Beach, the size of Virginia Beach. We can light up 200,000 homes," McAuliffe said. He says with new projects, new jobs are likely to follow.

Covanta's vice president says energy-from-waste systems are reliable. Unlike other renewable resource technology, Covanta operates around the clock.

McAuliffe hopes to have a waste-to-energy facility at every landfill in Virginia within the next decade.

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

St. Paddy's Day in Fairfax: Endorsements and Straw Polls

In the morning, it was Brian Moran.

Picking up more local endorsements, obtaining support from the majority of Democrats who sit on the FairfaxCounty Board of Supervisors and the Fairfax School Board. It’s a list that grows every day, including some of the most prominent names in NOVA, Hampton Roads and Richmond.

But the nighttime was the right time for Terry McAuliffe.

He easily won the straw poll at Gerry Connolly’s annual St. Paddy’s Day bash, beating Moran almost 2-1 with 58% to 30% and Deeds trailing both at 12%.

Can we make anything of this?

It seems to me that yesterday reflected the strengths and perhaps the challenges that face both the Moran and the McAuliffe campaigns.

Moran has done a fine job over the past two months enlisting the official support of local Democratic officials in a number of the major metropolitan areas that will produce the majority of voters in the June primary. And Creigh Deeds for his part has also picked up some excellent local endorsements, including a few in Fairfax.

But endorsements only take you so far.

Given the likely financial disparity he’ll face against McAuliffe, Moran willl need far more than names on letterhead. The local officials who support Moran will have to work for him with a capital W. They’ll have to contact the voters that supported them, convince them that the choice is important and mobilize them in June to get to the polls.

Moran was endorsed yesterday by eight members of the House of Delegates and a total of eight members of the Board of Supervisors and the School Board. If each of the Moran Sixteen had brought just thirty people to the straw poll, he would have won.

McAuliffe’s performance at the straw poll illustrated the organizational skill of his campaign. They have resources and know how to use them, in this instance arranging for donors to pay for 400 tickets for his supporters.

McAuliffe and his campaign exult and excel in the “theatre of politics,” more so than any Democrat since Doug Wilder.

But will McAuliffe’s skill at event organizing translate into mobilizing grass-roots voters in the June primary?

Put it this way.

In order to win the straw poll, McAuliffe had to bring out particpants who might not usually attend Connolly’s bash.

In order to win the primary, McAuliffe may have to bring out participants who may not usually vote in a low-turnout election dominated by party insiders and activists.

I have no doubt that Mike Henry, who helped Tim Kaine develop his successful strategy of mobilizing “federal” Democrats in a gubernatorial campaign, is scouring the list of presidential primary voters and thinking of ways to re-engage them this spring around McAuliffe.

And I heard yesterday from the McAuliffe camp that it will open up to 8 local offices around the state.

In the straw poll last night, McAuliffe overcame a significant disadvantage in support from local officials to win the majority of attendees.

The question, I think, is whether he can repeat the feat in a statewide primary.

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

A Grassroots Victory

Terry’s victory at Gerry Connolly’s St. Patty’s Day Straw Poll tonight is a powerful testament to the strength of the grassroots. Virginians across the Commonwealth are responding to Terry’s message of putting people back to work.

You are the strength of this campaign. Terry is building the largest grassroots campaign in the history of Virginia’s races for Governor.

Terry has been gaining grassroots momentum for months, and it’s the direct result of the tremendous organization that Terry has built. With 40 field organizers, hundreds of volunteers, and extensive use of new technologies, Terry has put together a people-powered campaign in the mold of Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Jim Webb, and Barack Obama.

Democrats tonight had a healthy competition. But at the end of day, we are all going to work to elect our nominee the 71st Governor of Virginia. The stakes are too high for us to be divided.

What was so exciting about tonight was how many new people we brought into the process. When more people are engaged, we can accomplish anything.

Tonight was a powerful demonstration of what we can do. Let’s keep the momentum going. Together, we can grow our economy and put Virginia back on track.

Tags: economy, jobs, mcauliffe, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov

McAuliffe Wins Fairfax Straw Poll

Former DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe overwhelmingly won an informal straw poll in Fairfax County tonight against his two Democratic rivals for governor, Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds.

At a jam-packed St. Patrick's Day party hosted by U.S. Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.), McAuliffe earned 58 percent of votes, Moran took 30 percent and Deeds earned 12 percent. Connolly told the crowd of about 1,400 that a total of 934 ballots were cast.

If nothing else, the vote sprinkled a healthy pinch of fish food into Virginia's political aquarium. McAuliffe outshined his rivals in both organization and spirit at the event, arranging for donors to purchase 400 tickets for his guests, staffing the party with 60 paid campaign workers and prompting the loudest cheers when he spoke to the crowd.

Guests supporting the other candidates grumbled that McAuliffe's campaign had bought the straw poll; they also noted the number of Maryland and District license plates in the banquet hall's overflowing parking lot.

McAuliffe spokeswoman Elisabeth Smith countered that campaign records could document that more than 95 percent of those invited by McAuliffe were residents of Northern Virginia. She also noted that some campaign staffers have out-of-state plates but didn't vote in the straw poll.

"We're thrilled with the turnout that we saw from our grassroots volunteers," Smith said. "It's going to be critical in November that we have a strong grassroots organization."

Connolly said the financial benefit to his campaign coffers would be marginal given the low ticket price ($40) and high cost of the party. He also said that all three candidates worked hard to draw out supporters, and that McAuliffe won not merely because of money but also organization.

Connolly noted that straw poll results at his annual St. Patrick's Day event have predicted several high profile primary contests in recent years, including U.S. Sen. Jim Webb's defeat of Harris Miller in 2006 and Leslie Byrne's victory over Chap Petersen in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor in 2005.

"The purpose of this is to drive members of the Democratic family together and to generate early interest in the primary," Connolly said. "Clearly we did that."

Connolly's poll also asked guests to vote for one of four candidates for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, and the results were as follows: 48 percent for Jody Wagner, 28 percent for Michael Signer, 12 percent for Pat Edmonson and 12 percent for Jon Bowerbank.

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

Democratic Leaders Across Virginia Continue to Line Up Behind Terry McAuliffe for Governor

Today, Terry McAuliffe's Campaign for Governor released the names of additional Virginia Democratic leaders who have endorsed his candidacy. Following the announcement of McAuliffe's "Business Plan for Virginia," these leaders cited McAuliffe's decades of creating jobs and turning businesses around and emphasized that he had the best experience and boldest ideas to get Virginia's economy back on track.

"To address the economic challenges facing Virginia, Democrats in the House of Delegates will need a strong and experienced leader in the Governor's office," Democratic House Caucus Chair Ken Plum said. "Terry has the business and executive experience to carry on the Warner-Kaine tradition of leadership and create jobs in every corner of the Commonwealth. I know that he will be a strong partner with legislative Democrats in enacting the bold changes we need to fix our transportation system, improve public education, and get our economy back on track."

"This election is critical for the future of Virginia," Delegate Algie Howell said. "We need someone in the Governor's office who can work with people from every community across the Commonwealth. Terry has a track record of bringing people together to get things done, and that's what we need."

"Terry comes to this race with a unique set of skills that will help him to break the deadlock in Richmond," Delegate Frank Hall said. "He will be able to work with the legislature to achieve real results."

"There is no bigger issue facing Virginia right now than the economy," Norfolk City Councilman W. Randy Wright said. "Terry is the only candidate with the experience to create jobs and get Virginia's economy back on track. His leadership on keeping all of the carriers in Norfolk, which will save thousands of jobs in our area, and on making Virginia a national leader in renewable energy, is exactly what we need from our next Governor."

A full list of the leaders endorsing today follows:

Ken Plum - Delegate and House Caucus Chair, 36th District
Frank Hall - Delegate, 69th District
Algie Howell - Delegate, 90th District
Anthony Burfoot - Vice Mayor, Norfolk City
Hap Connors - Chairman, Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors
Andrea McGimsey - Loudon County Board of Supervisors
Randy Williams - Commissioner of Revenue, Russell County
Reginald Harrison - Surry County Board of Supervisors
Cliff Hayes - Chesapeake City Council
W. Randy Wright - Norfolk City Council
Charles B Whitehurst - Portsmouth City Council
Charles Parr - Suffolk City Council
Tina Vick - Newport News City Council>br> Court Rosen - Roanoke City Council
Peter Farrell - Manassas Park City Council
Effie Ashe - Former Chair, Newport News School Board
Everette "Teddy" Hicks - Newport News School Board
Fred Hudson - Chair, 5th Congressional District Democratic Party
Steven Banner - Chair, Russell County Democratic Party

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

Weekly Blog Roundup 3/13/09

This week in the blogosphere, Terry received some glowing endorsements from bloggers and a former US Representative. Terry posted his own thoughts on his new comprehensive, long-term plan for Virginia’s energy future. And bloggers are warming to Terry’s message about jobs and the economy and his grassroots campaign.

The three co-founders of the “Draft Jim Webb” movement announced their endorsement of Terry on the blog Blue Virginia. Josh Chernila, Lee Diamond, and Lowell Feld each provide their reasons for supporting Terry, coming to a consensus that he is the best candidate to get things done for Virginia.

I've seen a man focused relentlessly on the economy and "jobsjobsjobs," but also with an understanding that you can't have a strong economy without the high quality of life that attracts individuals and businesses to Virginia. That means ensuring that Virginia continues to be the "best managed state in the nation." It means investing in education and emerging industries like "clean tech." It means maintaining (and improving) the level of infrastructure and services in our Commonwealth. And it means bringing people together to achieve results for all of us, not just for the rich and powerful. I have confidence that Terry McAuliffe is the best person to accomplish all of those things.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOX 5 Interview with Terry McAuliffe

Tags: 2009, economic growth, economy, fox 5, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac, va-gov, virginia

Henry County, Martinsville are Part of McAuliffe Business Plan

March 12, 2009
Martinsville Bulletin
By Debbie Hall

Martinsville and Henry County figure prominently in the first chapter of Terry McAuliffe’s Comprehensive Business Plan for Virginia.

McAuliffe, one of three candidates hoping to snare the Democratic nomination and challenge Republican Bob McDonnell for the governor’s seat in November, said Virginia must become “a leader in renewable energy.”

Thousands of jobs would be created as renewable green projects, such as wind, solar, biodiesel and bio-mass technologies, get under way, McAuliffe said Wednesday during a conference call with reporters.

And, with property already zoned for local industrial parks, Martinsville and Henry County could again become a manufacturing hub, producing wind blades, turbines, towers and other equipment needed as the state goes green, he said.

McAuliffe also supports four-laning U.S. 58 “all the way out to the Ohio Valley” to provide an attractive route for traffic generated by vessels coming to the coast from the Panama Canal.

Martinsville has been hit especially hard in the uncertain economy, McAuliffe said, and he pledged to devote “resources and efforts” to the region if elected.

Martinsville is “one of the areas I talk about in every speech, no matter what area I’m in,” McAuliffe said.

Moran has said that he opposes a coal plant that would be built in Surry County.

McAuliffe, a former Democratic national chairman, said the governor would not make that decision; rather, it will be made by the State Corporation Commission (SCC) and the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

McAuliffe added that he is not opposed to coal-fired energy, providing it employs “the cleanest coal” technology available.

McAuliffe also said he would introduce legislation to increase Virginia’s standard for retail electricity sellers to provide a portion of electricity sold from renewable green sources.

He also supports legislation that would require electric companies to generate 25 percent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2025, he said.

Virginia should be laying the groundwork to capitalize on the $113 billion provided in the $787 billion economic stimulus package to support renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy research and development, job training in the growing clean energy economy, transportation, alternative fuels, and electricity transmission infrastructure, McAuliffe said.

McAuliffe’s plan also proposes encouraging cleaner, locally produced electricity by allowing consumers who produce renewable energy to earn credits that would offset their consumption; expand the state’s ability to develop renewable energy projects on state property; develop a statewide ocean management plan to promote wise stewardship of natural resources; and support clean energy technologies and industries by cutting government red tape.

In addition to establishing a Virginia Clean Energy Working Group, McAuliffe would work to build partnerships to develop regional solutions to energy and environmental challenges while creating community groups to provide incentives to homeowners who cannot afford to invest in renewable energy but want to do so.

McAuliffe said he will work with lending institutions to create and market programs to help businesses and consumers invest in energy efficiency. He also pledged to focus on improving the state’s ability to attract and keep green businesses and jobs by implementing sales tax exemptions on the purchase of new commercial and industrial solar, geothermal, and combined heat and power equipment; establishing a rebate for waste-to-energy technologies; and creating a Clean Energy Business Growth and Development Grants Program.

There are a total of six chapters in McAuliffe’s plan, and he expects a chapter will be released each week until the entire plan is public. At that point, McAuliffe said the plan will be put together in print format to be viewed in its entirety.

The plan is the result of ideas gathered from residents around Virginia during eight round-table discussions held in several areas of the state, including Martinsville, and from online suggestions. To learn more about it, visit McAuliffe’s Web site at www.terrymcauliffe.com.

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

McAuliffe reveals business plan for Va.

March 12th, 2009
The Richmond Times-Dispatch
By Tyler Whitley

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe said he would emphasize tax incentives to encourage re newable energy.

His "Business Plan for Virginia," announced yesterday at a news conference in Richmond, would establish a $100 million energy-independence revolving loan fund to retrofit homes with energy efficient equipment and take steps to reduce state government's use of fossil fuels. McAuliffe said the economic decline would force him to phase in the loan fund.

The McLean businessman said he wants to make Virginia a destination for clean-energy businesses and researchers.

Another proposal would offer a financial incentive for new digester gas systems that can be used to convert chicken waste into energy. McAuliffe said there are chicken and turkey farms in the Shenandoah Valley that would be a rich source of such energy.

A former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, McAuliffe is one of three Democrats seeking the nomination to run for governor in a June 9 statewide primary.

McAuliffe said he developed his program after conducting a series of economic roundtables around the state.

He said he could not put a price tag on his plan, which would make wide use of tax incentives, because he could not predict how extensively the incentives would be used.

Answering questions afterward, McAuliffe declined to say whether he would support a coal-fired power plant that Dominion Virginia Power is proposing to build in Surry County. That decision is not up to the governor, he said, adding that energy conservation will lessen the need for more power plants.

McAuliffe said he is not accepting donations from Dominion Virginia Power, although he has talked with its chief officers. But after the news conference, a press aide called reporters to say that McAuliffe had misspoken, and that he has received campaign contributions from Dominion Virginia Power executives, but not the corporate entity or its political action committee.

Brian J. Moran of Alexandria, who is opposing McAuliffe for the nomination, issued a news release accusing McAuliffe of dodging the toughest energy issues facing Virginia.

Moran opposes the Surry plant and opposes drilling for oil or natural gas off the coast of Virginia. McAuliffe said he would allow drilling for natural gas but not for oil.

McAuliffe also said he would like to develop "at least one large wind project" 50 miles offshore. Twenty percent of Virginia's energy needs could be met by utilizing winds off the coast, he said.

McAuliffe said he would push for energy related tax credits to encourage businesses to purchase renewable energy equipment, such as solar panels.

In addition to McAuliffe and Moran, State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County is seeking the nomination.

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

Candidate McAuliffe pitches green energy

March 12th, 2009
The Roanoke Times
By Michael Sluss

RICHMOND -- Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe vowed Wednesday to push to create jobs in renewable energy fields, calling for new incentives to launch and attract companies and a mandatory renewable energy threshold for utility companies.

"It's time for Virginia to be the number one renewable energy state in the country," McAuliffe said at a Richmond campaign stop.

McAuliffe's energy proposals make up the first phase of his "business plan" for Virginia that he will roll out in the coming weeks. His energy plan includes proposals that have been embraced by his two rivals for the Democratic nomination, former state Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria and state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County.

McAuliffe said he would require Virginia utilities to produce 25 percent of their power from renewable energy sources by 2025, matching a pledge that Moran made earlier this year. He also called for tax incentives to encourage businesses to purchase renewable energy equipment such as solar panels. Deeds sponsored legislation on the same issue in the recent General Assembly session, but the proposal died in the Republican-run House of Delegates.

McAuliffe also called for a new incentive for "digestor gas systems" that can be used to convert animal waste into energy and talked enthusiastically about a Virginia Tech scientist's research on the process. McAuliffe, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said the state must offer more generous tax incentives to attract "clean-tech" industries.

"They are doing this in other states all over the country," said McAuliffe, who did not put a cost on his proposals. "We need to start doing that here in Virginia. We don't offer the tax incentives that other states offer to bring clean-tech business in."

McAuliffe also said he would create a revolving loan fund to help retrofit homes with energy-efficient equipment. And he pledged to develop at least one large offshore wind project during his term, and said components for turbines potentially could be manufactured in Southwest and Southside Virginia.

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

Gov. Candidate McAuliffe Shares Vision for Virginia

March 11th, 2009
The Falls Church News-Press
By Nicholas F. Benton

Why does a man running for governor of Virginia want to talk about the Panama Canal? Terry McAuliffe does.

McAuliffe, who brings quasi-rock star status to the heated three-way race for the Democratic nomination to run for governor this year, likes the big picture, likes to look over the top of the backyard fence and to see what's coming, and to focus his considerable energies on making plans. He's running against Former Del. Brian Moran and State Sen. Creigh Deeds in the June Democratic primary.

The Panama Canal is a familiar theme in his discussions with prospective supporters and voters as this tireless 52 year old criss-crosses the vastness that is Virginia in his first-ever run for public office.

You see, there are two new flights of locks now under construction at the Panama Canal, a $5.6 billion project launched in the summer of 2007 and slated for completion in 2015.

When completed, the giant tankers and ships coming to America from the emerging Asian economic powerhouses on the Pacific Rim will not have to port and offload on the West Coast.

They will be able to negotiate the new locks at the Panama Canal and come to the U.S. eastern seaboard, offloading nearer the destinations where more of their cargo will go. The question becomes where they will port.

"Jacksonville is launching a big new port project in response to the new Panama locks," McAuliffe said, flashing his eyes with his usual sense of urgency, talking to the News-Press at his campaign headquarters in Tysons Corner earlier this month.

"Savannah has just moved past Tidewater into second place behind New York as the busiest port on the east coast," he added.

"In Virginia, we need to move fast to improve our port capacity in Tidewater to compete for this new flood of commerce that will come when the Panama project is completed," he concluded.

But there's more. McAuliffe wants Virginia to gain the competitive edge by a massive upgrade of Route 58, the highway that goes west from Tidewater the length of the state just north of the North Carolina border.

Making Route 58 the efficient four-lane conveyor belt that can move the cargo from the port to the nation's north-south interstates and to the Ohio Valley interior heartland will make Tidewater a preferred destination for the supertankers coming through the new Panama. He wants a major distribution center built in Southwest Virginia.

That's McAuliffe's vision, one of them.

He also wants to build high-speed rails linking Northern Virginia and the Washington-Boston corridor to Richmond and Tidewater by, among other things, double-stacking the rails.

"I was told it can't be done except at an exorbitant cost," McAuliffe said. "But I called the head of the railroad and asked him. He had a different story. He said, of course we can do it." The rights-of-way are already there; it's just a matter of laying the track, he said. "I am tired of people saying ‘no.'"

McAuliffe is a super-salesman, which served him well in growing his business fortune, a dynamo that burst out of high school in Syracuse, N.Y. to graduate from D.C.'s Catholic University, then Georgetown University's Law School, and become chairman of the Federal City Bank by age 30.

Mostly, though, he built his reputation as a super-fundraiser for the Democratic Party, including while serving as the chair of the Democratic National Committee from February 2001-2005, with a resume as long as your arm of party positions leading up to that high-profile role.

During his period as party chair, he raised $578 million, and the party came out of debt for the first time in its history.

Criticized by opponents Moran and Deeds for never being involved in Virginia politics the way they have, McAuliffe has resided in McLean for over 20 years, campaigned statewide for the Obama-Biden ticket last year, and earlier used his clout at the top of the Democratic Party to provide huge financial support for Gov. Tim Kaine's run for governor in 2005.

"I saw in the success of Governor (now U.S. Senator-ed.) Mark Warner the ability of Democrats to make big gains in the south and improve our national position," McAuliffe said. "In Tim Kaine, I saw the opportunity to move that agenda forward, so I allocated $5 million in DNC funds to Kaine's campaign," he said. It was the largest-ever disbursement of DNC funds for a non-presidential candidate.

Completing a stint as the manager of Sen. Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, McAuliffe, a long-time close friend of the Clintons, started seriously considering a run for governor of Virginia last summer.

He spoke to a packed meeting of the Fairfax Democratic Committee in July, and made national headlines when the News-Press broke the story that he endorsed Kaine as his best choice for vice-president on the Obama ticket.

"People thought I was dissing Hillary, but I wasn't," he explained this week. "I was saying what I thought was most possible, as well as desirable." The News-Press was the only newspaper present to report on his remarks.

"Actually, if the Russians hadn't invaded Georgia about that time I think Kaine would have been picked," McAuliffe mused. But the foreign policy challenge caused the Obama campaign to pick Sen. Joe Biden, with his extensive foreign policy experience, instead.

McAuliffe conceded that when he showed up for that July 22 meeting at Oakton High School, he had the idea of running for governor already in his mind. He handed out dozens of free copies of his national best selling book, "What a Party! My Life Among Democrats," at that meeting. He vowed that the Obama campaign would avoid the mistakes of the fated Sen. John Kerry presidential campaign in 2004, when the decision was to avoid direct political combat with George W. Bush.

In November, he filed to form an exploratory committee to run for governor, and officially announced just after the first of the year.

Asked if he decided to run for governor of Virginia because he was "bored and needed something to do," McAuliffe laughed and said, "I am never bored! I am very excited about it, about the ability to grow jobs."

He said his goal is to bring Virginia's standing forward as an economic dynamo providing first-rate jobs and educational opportunity and services for its citizens. He said if elected he'll be pitching the state and its economic potential worldwide, and will be pitching hard in Richmond, if elected, for more resources to offer incentives for business to come to the state.

"For me, it's all about issues, not persons. In Virginia, especially rural Virginia, it's about jobs, jobs, jobs, education and health care," he said. "I need to deliver the tools that government needs to bring new investment to Virginia."

Right now, he said, he's "scared to death" about the economy, which he said is in "the worst shape since the Great Depression."

Asked about Obama's first weeks in office, he was full of praise. "In two weeks, he got through the biggest stimulus package ever. He also got millions of children covered with health insurance. I pray it all works."

He's also focused on alternative fuels, recycling and the environment, and likes to talk about a technology he witnessed in the Shenandoah Valley that can convert 500,000 tons of chicken waste into gas, but can't now get OK'd by the Department of Environmental Quality.

On education, he noted that half of Virginia's prison population are high school dropouts, and the long-term solution is to focus on early education, such that every third grader can read. Incentives must also be found to keep good educators, noting that now 50 percent of teachers leave the profession within their first five years.

"We need a transportation infrastructure and educated workforce to move the state forward," he stressed.

He has five children, ages 6 to 17, and his wife Dorothy is also civically active, among other things serving on the board of the Potomac School.

Tags: business plan, economy, education, energy, environment, highways, macker, mcauliffe, ports, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Unveils Business Plan for Virginia, Highlights Need for Comprehensive Energy Plan to Turn Economy Around

After holding eight economic roundtables with business and community leaders across Virginia, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe today unveiled the first portion of his "Business Plan for Virginia", which outlines his comprehensive and long-term plan for Virginia's energy future. The plan includes ideas gathered from people around the Commonwealth, which McAuliffe heard during the roundtables and from people writing in to his website. McAuliffe's plan will build a green economy in Virginia by making the commonwealth a destination for clean energy businesses and researchers, investing in efficiency and in clean, renewable sources of energy, and committing resources to training Virginia's workforce for the clean tech economy.

"My plan will make Virginia a national leader in renewable energy and create thousands of green jobs," McAuliffe said. "I'm taking the same approach to figuring out how to get our economy going again that I've taken with businesses I've started or turned around - I'm starting with a business plan for Virginia. Today, I'm unveiling the first chapter of my plan, which focuses on thinking differently about energy because one of the biggest challenges we face is how to meet a growing demand for energy in a way that is sustainable and environmentally responsible. And that means that some of the most promising areas for growing our economy are in the renewable energy field."

McAuliffe's plan will create a better market for renewable energy and prove to companies that Virginia is serious about this industry, by setting a mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standard of 25% by 2025. He also pledged to create incentives for collective sustainable development improvement in communities and improved energy related tax credits to encourage businesses to purchase renewable energy equipment, such as solar panels.

The plan also establishes a Digestor Gas-to-Electricity Rebate, offering a $500/kW capacity incentive for new digestor gas systems that produce energy that will be used on-site. These systems can be used to convert animal waste into energy. McAuliffe pledged to work with Virginia farmers, leading renewable energy companies, and other interested energy, environmental, and agricultural stakeholders to explore ways to develop waste-to-energy projects throughout the Commonwealth, consistent with the highest environmental standards.

McAuliffe also pledged to site, develop, and build at least one large wind project offshore. At least 20% of the Commonwealth's energy needs could be met by harboring winds along Virginia's coastal areas, which are ideal for wind development because of their long-sustained winds, relatively shallow waters, and low probability of hurricanes. In addition, McAuliffe plans to use VIrginia's existing manufacturing capability to build wind turbine components and take advantage of our port to transport components up and down the East Coast.

"Here in Virginia we already have the resources to develop a thriving renewable energy sector, whether it's the wind of our coast or the hundreds of thousands of tons of agricultural waste we produce every year," McAuliffe said. "Virginia's next governor must look to creative solutions to increase our renewable energy production, provide incentives to develop new technologies, and encourage businesses and families to adopt clean and efficient energy sources."

In addition to developing these new energy sources, McAuliffe emphasized that the most cost-efficient method to increase energy independence would be improving Virginia's energy efficiency. By requiring utilities to invest in cost-effective energy efficiency first before pursuing new energy generation, establishing a $100 mllion Energy Independence Revolving Loan Fund to retrofit homes with more energy efficient equipment, and taking steps to reduce state government's carbon footprint, McAuliffe said that we could begin to reduce the amount of energy used in our homes and buildings and lower energy costs for Virginia families.

"One of the most overlooked ways to address the increasing demand for energy while also creating good jobs is to pursue efficiency measures," McAuliffe said. "By cutting the growth in energy consumption, utilities will not have to invest millions of dollars in new power plants and transmission lines - costs that ultimately are passed on to consumers for decades."

McAuliffe also discussed the importance of developing a highly skilled workforce that would be ready to work in the new, clean energy industries.

"Making sure our workers are trained for jobs in alternative and renewable energy jobs is key to our ability to transform our energy consumption and improve our economic outlook," McAuliffe said. "To make Virginia the center of these future growth industries, we must ensure that Virginia has the best-trained workforce in the country for these industries and the skills they demand."

To read the plan, click here.

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

Weekly Blog Roundup 3/9/09

Welcome to the second installment of the McAuliffe for Governor weekly blog roundup. This past week, bloggers talked about the fight against offshore oil drilling in Virginia, a blogger dinner held at our campaign headquarters, and Terry’s interesting encounters along the campaign trail.

Last week, Terry hosted a handful of local and national bloggers at our campaign headquarters to talk about running a grassroots campaign. Chris Guy at Fred2Blue took away some positive observations from the meeting.

One person in attendance pointed out that a lot of candidates for office make a big deal about courting the netroots during the campaign, but once they get elected your emails don’t get returned the way they used to. Terry promised that, if elected Governor, he’ll try and make these get-togethers a regular occurrence. Considering how much he likes talking to people, I tend to believe him… so far McAuliffe has the best campaign, hands down.

At Article XI, Lowell posted a video from the blogger meeting, which features Terry talking about energy and the environment.

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

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

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

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

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

Rush Limbaugh

At a time when we desperately need to come together as a nation, Rush Limbaugh's gone out of his way to sabotage our President - announcing publicly that he wants Barack Obama to fail.

This kind of rhetoric does nothing but pollute our political process. That's why after Rush reiterated his remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference this weekend, I called on Bob McDonnell to condemn them. But so far, Bob's refused to say anything that might offend the GOP's ringleader.

Now we need your help to apply some public pressure in order to make it happen.

Bob ought to use the leverage at his disposal and help the raise the level of debate. He seems to think he's got some pull with national Republicans. Just last week he bragged to the Washington Post that, "'Everybody who cares about the Republican Party nationally or everybody who wants to run for president in 2012 will be in Virginia' this year."

I know that we can turn things around and create the jobs of the future. But doing so will require making a clean break with this kind of hateful rhetoric.

When Rush started wishing that our President would fail, he stopped participating in an open debate about the right course of action. Instead, he was feeding a political culture that isn't about results-it's about who wins and who loses.

But this isn't the Super Bowl we're talking about. It's our economy. It's our families. It's our country. It's our future.

Even as Bob McDonnell's staked out positions that put ideology above the best interests of the Commonwealth, he's repeatedly talked about the need to work together constructively to find solutions. If those sentiments are anything but hot air, then now is the time to prove it.

Click here to tell Bob McDonnell to condemn Rush Limbaugh's hateful remarks.

Tags: 2009, bob mcdonnell, economic growth, economy, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, rush limbaugh, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Wraps Up Economic Roundtables, Prepares to Unveil Business Plan for Virginia

After weeks of listening to Virginians' ideas on how to get our economy back on track, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe yesterday held his final roundtable in Roanoke. The event was the final in a series of eight roundtables held across the Commonwealth on topics ranging from job creation and support for small businesses to education and workforce training. Ideas for converting agricultural waste to energy, improving infrastructure, and encouraging university research were also discussed throughout the course of the roundtable series.

"When I started this campaign, I said that the best ideas don't always come from Richmond," said McAuliffe. "These roundtables have shown that Virginians are full of good ideas and I plan on bringing these good ideas with me to the governor's office. Together, we're going to get our economy back on track."

Throughout the roundtables, no issue generated more discussion than McAuliffe's call for job creation ideas. University of Virginia Professor Jim Durand outlined how the next Governor could create jobs by helping to partner university researchers with private investors, citing his involvement with RideForward, a project that converts gas-powered vehicles into electric cars. With the governor's help, projects like RideForward could develop into profitable businesses that will help expand Virginia's economy and create jobs.

In Roanoke, Anthony Smith, a developer with LRE Development Corporation, also highlighted the need for job creation, emphasizing that Virginia already had the resources to do so. Smith highlighted the busy trucking corridors in Southwest Virginia and said that he would like "his resources to be married to a Governor's plan that has a strong focus on using what we already have to create jobs."

Attendees also focused on the need to improve educational opportunities, which will aid Virginia's next generation of workers. In Norfolk, Brenda Andrews suggested setting up a "teacher mentor corps" in which retired teachers could be called upon to mentor young teachers, helping to enhance the quality of the classroom.

Throughout the economic roundtable series, McAuliffe received innovative ideas from participants at every event and from engaged Virginians online. In the coming weeks, McAuliffe will unveil a series of policy initiatives which will incorporate many of the ideas from Virginians like Jim, Anthony, and Brenda that he has heard during his conversations across Virginia.

Tags: 2009, economic growth, economic roundtable, economy, energy, macker, mcauliffe, norfolk, roanoke, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, university of virginia, va-gov, virginia

Terry McAuliffe meets with Valley and City business and civic reps at Roanoke’s Higher Ed Center this morning

March 4th, 2009
Star City Harbinger
by Hank Bostwick

Primary candidate for the Democratic governor’s nomination Terry McAuliffe is visiting with members of the local business, labor and nonprofit communities this morning at Roanoke’s Higher Education Center.

McAuliffe seemed in his element discussing his plans for Virginia’s economic future and reminding onlookers and roundtable participants that he led the National Democratic Party out of debt after the Clinton years in Washington.

Concerned about the possibiility that the Commonwealth will lose precious green jobs and technological development to West Virginia, Terry “I love chicken waste” McAuliffe promised to make his point about the importance of clean and renewable energy if he “has to park that [chicken waste] machine” on the steps of the General Assembly.

Reiterating his promise to donate his salary as governor if elected, McAuliffe lamented the closing of local schools due to funding shortages and noted that “building schools without gymnasiums is a disgrace.”

McAuliffe finds the Dillon Rule (the law requiring the majority of decisions facing municipalities to be made in Richmond) problematic and an impediment to solving longstanding problems with local transportation and education budgets.

McAuliffe was joined by Beth Doughty of the Roanoke Regional Partnership; one member of the Star City Council; Patrick Kenny, a local lawyer; Joseph Hancock, grassroots organizer for the local Obama campaign last year; the director of the Workforce Development Program at VWCC; a representative from a local electrical union; Cal Johnson, executive director of Valley YMCA; a representative of Avis Construction; and John Swain, a local CPA who has returned to the Roanoke Valley to start what is sure to be a wonderful new program–among others.

According to Swain, his program–which is slated to launch soon–will provide free accounting services for local start-up businesses attempting to make a go at creating jobs in the Region. “We help them for the first one or two years of their business,” noted Swain.

City Council member Court Rosen spoke a bit about the issues involving school closures and consolidations, remarking that the decline in attendance at several City schools and shortfalls in the education budget necessitate these “painful, but necessary” actions.

YMCA director Johnson discussed his nonprofit concerns and argued that when “government acts as a catalyst” for regional redevelopment, public-private partnerships are most successful. Johnson got a hardy laugh from the crowd when he suggested that Virginia needed to do away with the county-city government distinction. McAuliffe joked, “Well, why don’t you start with an easy one?”

The representative from Avis Construction in Roanoke voiced his concerns regarding the ability of mid-sized contracting/construction firms to compete for project bids. Larger firms from out of state gobble up most public projects because they have the resources. Avis suggested revamping the bidding process to attract regional, mid-sized firms.

McAuliffe’s discussion continues until 10:45 this morning.

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

McAuliffe, area business leaders meet

March 5th, 2009
Roanoke Times
Mason Adams

Nearly a dozen of the Roanoke Valley's business leaders met with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe on Wednesday to pitch ideas to fix the state's economy.

"We've got to think outside the box," McAuliffe said as he repeated one of his campaign's main themes. "We need some big ideas."

The meeting was his eighth state "roundtable" to collect ideas that will eventually become his economic platform, to be unveiled in the next two weeks. He's previously met with regional representatives in Norfolk, Martinsville, Harrisonburg, Richmond, Charlottesville, Lebanon and Hampton.

McAuliffe, a former Democratic National Committee chairman who lives in Fairfax County, is running against former state Del. Brian Moran of Fairfax County and Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County for the Democratic nomination for governor in a June 9 primary. The winner will face Republican nominee Bob McDonnell, who recently stepped down from his elected post as state attorney general to devote his time to the governor's race.

Wednesday's visit to Roanoke was McAuliffe's fourth since he began to explore a possible run for governor late last year. The roundtable attendees ranged from roofers and a union electrician to civic leaders and politicians. Many of their thoughts dealt with statewide concerns, such as building up Virginia's transportation network and giving the governor more cash to lure major manufacturers.

But there were some ideas and opinions that stem from local circumstances, too:

Cindy Shelor, owner of John T. Morgan Roofing, asked about restrictions on a method of contracting known as "cooperative procurement," which allows one local government to piggyback on a contract signed by another local government. The city school system used the practice last year when it decided to piggyback on a Fairfax County roofing contract instead of pursuing a competitive bidding process.

City Councilman Court Rosen -- a local Democrat who has endorsed McAuliffe for governor -- said the state's rules make it more difficult for cities to expand and attract companies with the lure of open land.

The group also talked about passenger rail service. McAuliffe directed most of his comments toward high-speed rail for Northern Virginia, Richmond and Hampton Roads. He said that a state agency's estimation of 2015 as a target date to deliver Amtrak service to Roanoke "sounds too far away" and could potentially be fast-tracked.

McAuliffe said he would use the governor's office as a hammer, relentlessly pounding on the General Assembly for prompt passage of changes in economic development and land-use policies.

"I know it's not the Virginia way, and I apologize," McAuliffe said. "It's what we've got to do."

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

McAuliffe Makes Campaign Stop in Lebanon

March 4th, 2009
Bristol Herald Courier
Debra McCown

LEBANON, Va. – To bring more jobs here, Virginia needs to be more competitive with other states to attract industry, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe told Russell County leaders during a visit Tuesday.

“Those should’ve been our jobs,” McAuliffe said of recently announced energy projects that will be located in Mississippi and Tennessee. “We need to be aggressive about bringing business in.”

A Democrat and Northern Virginia businessman, McAuliffe said, in what he called an economic roundtable, that he’s not satisfied with the prospect of budget cuts or tax increases. His solution to the state’s recent economic troubles is simple, he said: Grow the economy.

McAuliffe is one of four candidates – three Democrats and one Republican – seeking to be elected governor this year.

Participants in Tuesday’s meeting addressed the region’s heavy-hitting issues: prescription drug abuse, health care, job creation, transportation and coal.

“I want Virginia to have the cleanest coal in the country,” McAuliffe said when asked by Russell County Supervisor Ernest Kennedy about his view of the fuel that provides half of the nation’s electricity.

“That ought to be our goal … a lot of livelihoods are depending on it, and I’m never going to throw someone out of a paying job … you don’t play politics with people’s lives,” McAuliffe said.

Russell County Administrator Jim Gillespie said most localities in the region are concerned about transportation, adding that residents show up at every Board of Supervisors meeting wanting to know when their roads will be paved.

McAuliffe said the commonwealth should develop passenger and freight rail systems to get cars off the road and provide opportunities for job creation in transportation-related industries, such as the efficient movement of freight inland from the Virginia coast.

Sheriff Steve Dye said the state needs a central database to track prescription medication dispensed to individuals to help law enforcement agencies control the problem of prescription drug abuse, particularly here in a region with a high rate of overdose deaths.

“Sometimes I think I’m a social worker with a badge and a gun,” Dye said.

Shannon Blevins, economic development director for UVA-Wise, said the state should help to bring broadband infrastructure to rural homes and communities to encourage entrepreneurship opportunities.

Jerry Stallard, international auditor-teller for the United Mine Workers, said health-care quality and access in the region need to be improved.

Steve Banner, chairman of the Russell County Democratic Party, said farmers are struggling and need help developing new technologies in their industry, which he said is big in Virginia but often overlooked.

McAuliffe took the opportunity to talk about one of his signature issues: chicken waste.

He said all the chicken manure the state produces could generate 40 megawatts of power, along with useful by-products. Bureaucracy often is the only thing standing in the way of developing such home-grown technology, he said – and he wants to change that.

“We’ve had this technology for a year and a half. Now, West Virginia has leapfrogged ahead of us because they wouldn’t give this guy a permit,” McAuliffe said of a man working on creative ways to use the waste. “That’s the kind of stuff that drives me nuts.”

Tags: 2009, chicken waste, economic growth, economic roundtable, economy, governor, jobs, lebanon, macker, mcauliffe, southwest virginia, t-mac, technology, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac, va-gov, virginia

Va. Needs New Ag Technology

Va. Needs New Ag Technology
By Terry McAuliffe, Harrisonburg Daily News Record
March 4, 2009

LIKE MOST FARMERS here in the Valley, Buff Showalter pays close attention to fertilizer prices and heating bills, the extra costs that can make or break a harvest. He uses his own chicken litter as a primary fertilizer. But last year Buff had to spend about $5,000 on commercial fertilizer for his corn and hay crops. He also spent $12,000 on gasoline to heat his broiler house.

That's part of the reason why he and his business partner, Oren Heatwole, a former farmer himself, jumped at the opportunity to test a new machine that converts chicken litter into two things that Buff could really use: a high-quality fertilizer and a high-energy fuel.

The technology, developed in the research laboratories of Virginia Tech in collaboration with public and private partners, is called pyrolysis. A pyrolysis unit heats chicken litter and converts it into three products: a high-density char, suitable for use as a fertilizer; a biofuel, which can be used as a heating oil; and a propane-like gas that doubles as a power source for the machine, making it entirely self-sustaining.

Oren's machine has been attracting a lot of attention from local farmers and business interests alike, and for good reason: once the technology is commercialized, 10 machines scattered across the Valley processing 10 tons of chicken litter per day would produce enough energy to power 10,000 homes (or hen houses). The pyrolysis fertilizer is also profitable. With nitrogen prices high, Buff can sell unprocessed chicken litter for about 10 dollars per ton, but he expects to earn much more for the new fertilizer. That's because the pyrolysis fertilizer has the dual advantage of being both slow release, which allows it to deliver nutrients to the soil more effectively, and high-density, which cuts down on transportation costs.

Environmental groups are quick to point out the benefits to local waterways of converting chicken waste to fertilizer and fuel. With Valley chickens producing an estimated 500,000 tons of waste every year, excess nutrients end up in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The research going on at Virginia Tech is actually being funded in part by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The pyrolysis fertilizer also contains a more favorable balance of nitrogen and phosphorous and keeps more of the nutrients in the soil, where they belong. It's a win for the farmers, and a win for environmentalists.

Buff, Oren, and the partners involved in pyrolysis research at Virginia Tech are great examples of the kind of outside-the-box thinking that will help Virginia and the Valley continue to move forward in these tough economic times. The Commonwealth is blessed with great geographic diversity, and we need to make sure that we continue to leverage our regional strengths when it comes to biofuels, whether it's chicken waste in the Valley, switchgrass and poplar in the Southwest and Southside, or algae in Hampton Roads.

We should also strengthen the partnerships between our research universities and private industry. By improving the laboratory-to-commercialization pipeline, Virginia can benefit from the licensing of new technologies and the revenue generated from state-owned patents.

For instance, the Department of Environmental Quality could institute a more flexible permitting system, one containing reasonable allowances for pilot-scale projects that meet certain benchmarks but fall short of the levels expected of commercial-scale technologies.

New technologies, especially in the clean energy field, represent our best bet for creating the high-paying 21st century jobs that will help get our economy back on track. By encouraging innovation, we can grow our economy and do right by the environment. With the right leadership and bold thinking, Virginia can lead the way.

Mr. McAuliffe is a Democratic candidate for governor of Virginia.

Tags: 2009, agriculture, clean energy, commonwealth, economic growth, economy, governor, harrisonburg, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, t-mac, technology, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac, va-gov, valley, virginia

Terry McAuliffe Releases Letter Calling on Bob McDonnell to Condemn Rush Limbaugh's Remarks

Today, Terry McAuliffe sent the following letter to Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell, calling on him to condemn Rush Limbaugh's remarks regarding the Obama administration:

Dear Bob,

I know that you and I disagree on many issues, but I'm hoping that we can agree on this: hoping for failure isn't the right way to get our economy back on track.

That's why I'm asking you to join me in condemning the remarks Rush Limbaugh made wishing for the President to fail.

I'm sure that you are hearing the same things from Virginians that I am - they are nervous about their future; they're struggling to hold onto their homes and their jobs; they want us to stay focused on getting results for them.

There are a lot of things that all of us can do to help - we can encourage cooperation and help our neighbors. We can support the work that the President and Congress are doing to get our economy back on track. We can also speak our minds when we disagree. In a democracy, difference of opinion is what fuels our best ideas. We don't come up with the right answer if folks don't stand up and say what they believe in.

I know Rush doesn't agree with the approach President Obama has taken to helping get our economy back on its feet. And no one says he has to agree - but there is a point at which criticism is no longer constructive, and simply put, his comments have crossed that line.

Rush reinforced his comments about hoping that President Obama fails just this past weekend at the Conservative Political Action Conference. When Rush started wishing that our President would fail, he stopped participating in an open debate about the right course of action. Instead, he was feeding a political culture that isn't about results - it is about who wins and who loses.

Rush said as much himself this weekend. But this isn't the Super Bowl we're talking about. It's our economy. It's our families. It's our country. It's our future.

When politicians and pundits focus on who is winning instead of succeeding, it's the American people who lose. As many times as you've disagreed with Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, you know that you can disagree with someone without wishing for them to fail.

I hope you'll join me in calling for Rush to start taking an approach that reflects the best of what our system stands for.

Best,

Terry

Tags: 2009, bob mcdonnell, economic growth, economy, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, rush limbaugh, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe asks Republican to condemn Limbaugh remarks

March 3rd, 2009
CNN Political Ticker

WASHINGTON (CNN) – As national Democrats eagerly point to Rush Limbaugh’s influence among Republicans, one Virginia Democrat is looking to make the radio host a flash point in this year’s governor’s race.

Terry McAuliffe, the former Democratic National Committee chairman now seeking his party's nomination for governor, sent a letter Tuesday to the de facto Republican nominee, former state Attorney General Bob McDonnell, asking him to reject Limbaugh’s recent statement that he wants President Obama to fail.

“I know that you and I disagree on many issues, but I'm hoping that we can agree on this: hoping for failure isn't the right way to get our economy back on track,” McAuliffe wrote in the letter. “That's why I'm asking you to join me in condemning the remarks Rush Limbaugh made wishing for the President to fail.”

McAuliffe wrote that Virginians are concerned with getting the economy back on track and that Limbaugh’s comments are not constructive.

“I hope you'll join me in calling for Rush to start taking an approach that reflects the best of what our system stands for,” McAuliffe wrote.

McDonnell campaign spokesman Tucker Martin said McAuliffe "desperately wants our attention."

"And if he wins his competitive and tough primary in June he will get it," Martin said. "Until then, we wish him the best of luck.”

Current Virginia governor and DNC Chairman Tim Kaine highlighted Limbaugh’s influence in the GOP in multiple cable appearances Tuesday, calling the polarizing radio talker “the godfather” and “Wizard of Oz” of the Republican Party.

McAuliffe is competing against former House delegate Brian Moran and state senator Creigh Deeds in a three-way Democratic primary.

Tags: 2009, bob mcdonnell, commonwealth, economic growth, economy, governor, jobs, macker, mcauliffe, rush limbaugh, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac, va-gov, virginia

Statement from Terry McAuliffe Regarding the End of the Legislative Session

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe released the following statement regarding the end of the legislative session. McAuliffe cited the passage of several renewable energy bills, including legislation that would encourage energy efficiency, create economic incentives for biofuels, and promote the production of electric energy from waste [SB 1248; SB1186; HB2001; HB2576].

"This session, I was heartened to see Republicans and Democrats work together to pass several measures that will help Virginia move ahead on developing our renewable energy sector. Providing economic incentives for biofuels, encouraging increased energy efficiency, and promoting the conversion of solid waste to electricity will help develop this critical industry. While I believe that we need a mandatory renewable energy standard, these bills were a step in the right direction to make Virginia a national leader in renewable energy and create green jobs in the Commonwealth.

"Unfortunately, we saw once again that Republican leadership in the House of Delegates was often too willing to put ideology before bipartisan solutions, blocking measures to allow early voting and reduce the gerrymandering of political districts in Virginia. These measures would have made voting easier for eligible Virginians of all political backgrounds and encouraged more competitive elections to attract the best possible candidates for public office. It's time for us to put these partisan games aside and work together to get the Commonwealth back on track."

Tags: 2009, bipartisan solutions, economic growth, economy, energy efficiency, governor, jobs, legislative session, macker, mcauliffe, renewable energy, richmond, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tmac, va-gov, virginia

TERRY MCAULIFFE TO CONTINUE ROUNDTABLE SERIES WITH EVENTS IN FAIRFAX, LEBANON, AND ROANOKE

Next week, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe will continue his economic roundtables series with events in Fairfax, Lebanon, and Roanoke where he will discuss infrastructure development, job creation, and the economic possibilities for Virginia.

Monday, March 2

8:45 am Terry McAuliffe Holds Economic Roundtable in Fairfax
George Mason University Fairfax Campus
Mason Hall, Meese Board Room
4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030

Tuesday, March 3

12:30 pm Terry McAuliffe Holds Economic Roundtable in Lebanon
Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center
Jefferson Room
141 Highland Drive
Lebanon, VA 24266

Wednesday, March 4

8:00 am Terry McAuliffe Holds Economic Roundtable in Roanoke
Roanoke Higher Education Center
108 North Jefferson Street
Suite 210A, Room 412
Roanoke, VA 24016

Tags: 2009, economic growth,