Great News

I've got some great news, and it's all thanks to your hard work. Some new polling shows we've got the lead, and today we're releasing a new TV ad to help keep our momentum going. But with just two weeks to go until Election Day, our opponents are ratcheting up the attacks, and we're counting on your help to pull us over the finish line.

Boots on the Ground

Turnout will be the deciding factor in this election, and we need your help. Since the beginning of this campaign, we've succeeded in bringing new people into our political process because people like you have been pounding the pavement -- knocking doors, making phone calls, and empowering voters to make their voices heard. Just yesterday the Associated Press noted that, "Political observers suggest a low primary turnout would benefit Moran or Deeds, while a larger turnout would help McAuliffe, who is trying to attract new voters as Obama did."

But the Moran campaign thinks our strategy is all for nothing. After going around for months claiming that the grassroots was the key to victory, the Washington Post reported this morning that Moran's strategists "view that kind of operation as a waste of resources on voters unlikely to come out for a June primary."

That's right -- the Moran campaign is taking a shot at you and all the hard work you've been doing for months. This is our chance to prove them wrong. We've got the infrastructure -- 14 field offices across the Commonwealth, and 50 of the best field organizers in politics. But we need your help to power the operation - making phone calls and knocking on doors so we can get our voters to the polls. And if you're one of the first 200 people to sign up and volunteer your time between now and the election, we'll give you a rally sign autographed by Terry McAuliffe.

The single most important thing you can do to help this effort is to come into one of our offices. But there are other opportunities to get involved too - even from your home.

Click Here to Volunteer and Get an Autographed Rally Sign.

Polls, Polls, Polls

Three new polls came out at the end of last week, and they all show us with a very solid lead. DailyKos founder and best-selling author Markos Moulitsas observed that "McAuliffe has managed to move his favorability numbers forward despite an increasingly negative primary." As voters take a tough look at each of the candidates, Terry's vision for growing the economy and creating jobs is clearly resonating.

But we've still got a lot of work to do. Public Policy Polling's Dean Debnam says, "This race is still really up for grabs…There are still lots of undecideds and lots of voters open to changing their minds."

That's why we need your help now more than ever. The attacks on Terry have already started, and you ain't seen nothing yet. VCU Professor Bob Holsworth noted that, "With McAuliffe ahead in all of the public polls, attempting to bring him down has become a matter of some urgency to the other campaigns." And Brian Moran's chief strategist has pledged to do precisely that.

Terry's taken a different approach. He's sticking to the issues, staying positive, and saving his criticism for Bob McDonnell. But in order for that strategy to work, we need your help.

New TV Ad

Today, we're also unveiling our newest television ad - a 30 second spot that focuses on the importance of investing in early childhood education. I wanted to make sure you see it first.

Thanks to you, I couldn't be more proud of the campaign we're running. But right now we're getting attacked from all sides. Both of our opponents are on the air, and we need the resources to respond to their attacks, communicate Terry's positive message of job creation, and bring our people to the polls.

Click here to make a contribution to fully fund our efforts to reach voters and respond to attacks. There are only two weeks left!

Let's keep the pedal to the metal until Election Day on June 9th.

P.S. If you're not going to able to make it to the polls on June 9th, make sure to cast an absentee ballot. Click here to get more information.

Tags: ads, brian moran, education, grassroots, macker, mcauliffe, moran, organization, polling, polls, supporters, t-mac, teachers, terry, terry mcauliffe, tv ad, 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

“No, He Can’t”

Virginia Tomorrow
May 19, 2009
By Bob Holsworth

That’s the message that Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran are sending about Terry McAuliffe’s ideas in a Democratic primary contest that is becoming increasingly personal.

McAuliffe has portrayed himself as an outsider who wants to bring “big ideas” to Virginia and shake up the political system.

Change the Dillon rule. Develop a more aggressive strategy and incentive structure for pursuing major business relocations. Make Virginia into a leader for renewable energy. More jobs will be produced in Virginia than anywhere else.

It’s an idea a day. And McAuliffe’s the hopemonger-in-chief.

But Deeds and Moran are saying not so fast.

McAuliffe’s overcommitted. He’s making promises on which he can’t deliver. Don’t get taken in by all this talk about hope and new ideas.

Do you really believe that he’ll be able to come through.

What are we to make of all this?

It’s certainly fair for candidates in a campaign to ask an opponent how he’ll fund, develop legislative support for, or otherwise implement the campaign promises that are being proposed.

But there does seem to be a bit of an irony here.

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.

Tags: brian moran, creigh deeds, deeds, hope, macker, mcauliffe, moran, obama, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Gets Some Obama Star Power

The Washington Post
May 18, 2009
By Anita Kumar

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe, who has been hammered in recent days about his efforts to defeat Barack Obama in last year's presidential race, found a way to fight back today in a big way.

McAuliffe annnounced an endorsement from former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, one of Obama's earliest supporters and one of his national campaign co-chairmen.

"I was impressed by the time and energy Terry put into traveling across Virginia and the country on Barack Obama's behalf during the general election,'' Daschle said in a statement. "From the day Hillary Clinton ended her historic bid for president, Terry worked tirelessly to unify our party around Barack Obama and get him elected President. His energy and enthusiasm were tremendous assets on the campaign trail and we were grateful to have him on our side.

Rival Brian Moran has attacked McAuliffe for his work as Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman and just yesterday unveiled a radio ad that declared "If Terry McAuliffe had his way, Barack Obama wouldn't be our president today."

Obama mominated Daschle to serve as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, but he eventually withdrew his name amid a growing controversy over his failure to accurately report and pay income taxes.

Daschle's son, Nathan, now works as the executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, which is expected to pour millions of dollars and extensive resources to keep a Democrat in the Virginia's governor's mansion.

The DGA has already put more than $2 million into the race. The DGA does not endorse a candidate in the June 9 primary, but is working to discredit Republican nominee Bob McDonnell.

Tags: brian moran, daschle, macker, mcauliffe, moran, obama, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, tom daschle, va-gov, virginia

McAuliffe Campaign Releases Statement on Moran Campaign's Negative and Misleading Radio Advertisements

Today, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe's campaign spokeswoman Lis Smith released the following statement on Brian Moran's negative radio ads:

"Negative attacks like this one are nothing new from Brian Moran, who continues to run false and misleading ads. The fact is that Terry fought tirelessly after the presidential primaries to get Barack Obama elected.

"Terry is proud to have held dozens and dozens of events across Virginia and the country on President Obama's behalf. And he's proud to have worked with leaders like President Obama and Governor Kaine to establish unity in the Democratic Party after the presidential primary. It's sad that Brian Moran is trying to divide Democrats again, especially at a time when we all need to come together to help President Obama get the economy back on track.

"With a strong record of creating thousands of jobs and turning around struggling businesses, Terry doesn't need to rely on negative and misleading attacks. It's unfortunate that Brian Moran does."

Fact Check on Moran Negative Radio Ad

FALSE ATTACK: Moran campaign would like you to believe Terry McAuliffe doesn't want Barack Obama to be President.

FACT: Once the Primary ended, Terry McAuliffe enthusiastically supported Barack Obama, stumping for him throughout Virginia and the country.

* McAuliffe Was Front And Center Encouraging Clinton Supporters To Unite Behind Obama As Soon As The Primary Ended. In June 2008, McAuliffe was front and center encouraging Clinton supporters to unite behind Barack Obama at the 'Unity Event' shortly after the primary ended. 'Terry McAuliffe, the campaign chairman for Mrs. Clinton, said it was time to get her contributors 'fired up for the general election.' As Mr. McAuliffe walked through the hotel's stately lobby, he was greeted by several Clinton supporters who embraced him and spoke longingly about Mrs. Clinton's candidacy. 'This is unity; bringing together these folks is a good piece of that,' Mr. McAuliffe said." [New York Times, 6/27/08]

McAuliffe 'Now, We All Do Whatever We Can To Help Barack Obama To Become The Next President…' TERRY MCAULIFFE, CLINTON CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN: It was an exciting campaign and it was very close. But now, we all do whatever we can to help Barack Obama to become the next president because it's about the issues. [Verdict with Dan Abrams, 6/6/08]

* McAuliffe: 'I'm Going To Go Full-Time To Help His Campaign.' MCAULIFFE: I have talked -- I have talked to Senator Obama several times. And, now that we're through this convention, I'm going to go full- time to help this campaign. [MSNBC SPECIAL, 8/26/08]

* McAuliffe Reiterated Importance Of Electing Obama During Convention. McAuliffe was asked on 'American Morning' about whether President Bill Clinton behind Obama. He said Clinton would use his convention speech to "Make the case that it's an important year for a Democrat to win the White House, House, Senate, and we have to get behind Barack Obama." [CNN, 'American Morning, 8/27/08]

* McAuliffe Did A 30-Locality Tour Of Virginia To Promote Obama. McAuliffe did a 30-locality tour of Virginia to promote Obama. At one stop, McAuliffe spoke at a forum in Chesterfield County, where he was the Democratic counter to former Republican governor and U.S. senator George Allen. [Washington Post, 9/18/08; Richmond Times Dispatch, 9/25/08]

o Charlottesville, VA - McAuliffe spoke about health care 'on behalf of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.' [Daily Progress, 9/28/08]

+ Video of Terry campaigning in Charlottesville for President Obama can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59SswR-As6I&feature=channel_page

o Danville, VA - McAuliffe was in Danville on behalf of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. He focused most of his discussion on Obama's plan, and noted stark contrasts to that of Republican contender John McCain. [Danville Register & Bee, 9/30/08]

o Roanoke, VA - McAuliffe stumped for Barack Obama in Roanoke… McAuliffe told a crowd of about 30 that Obama, the Democratic presidential candidate, would expand health insurance coverage to some of the 47 million Americans who are without it. Obama's plan would reward doctors for keeping patients healthy rather than for recommending procedures, McAuliffe said. [Roanoke Times, 10/01/08]

o Norfolk, VA - McAuliffe spoke at Old Dominion University sponsored by Students for Obama. McAuliffe discussed presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama's policy proposals to improve our health care system. [US Fed News, Old Dominion University Press Release, 10/07/08]

o Terry Campaigned For Obama In Pennsylvania. The following video of Terry campaigning in Pennsylvania was produced by the Obama-Biden campaign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pif-zup_IM&NR=1

FACT: Even during the primary, Terry McAuliffe said he would support Barack Obama if he won the primary.

* McAuliffe: 'I Think Senator Obama Has Run A Spectacular Campaign… We'll Come Together After The Last Votes Are Done.' McAuliffe: "This has been a great race. I mean, when you think about it, we've had 29 mil-lion votes cast and the difference is less than 1 percent. It's been a great race. And I happen to be one of the Democrats who think this is good for the Democratic Party. … Huge crowds. I think this is great. And I think Senator Obama has run a spectacular campaign. This is the Democratic Party. We'll come together after the last votes are done in June." [CNN Larry King Live, 4/24/08]

* McAuliffe: 'This Party Will Be United… We Will All Be Over At Obama's Headquarters Helping Him.' MCAULIFFE: "This party will be united. I have said this from day one. If we don't win the nomination, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Terry McAuliffe, we will all be over at Barack Obama's headquarters helping him. And Senator Obama would do the same for us. We are all going to be unified." [Larry King Live, 5/9/08]

* McAuliffe: 'If Barack Obama Happens To Be The Nominee, We Will Work - Everybody Will Work Very Hard.' Mr. McAULIFFE: "No. Absolutely not. And if Barack Obama happens to be the nominee, we will work--everybody will work very hard. We will be a unified party. She has received--16.6 million people have voted for her. He's received 16.7. This is a very close race. And we need to get everybody together at the end. And I disagree with a lot of these Democrats today that are saying we won't be unified. We will be very unified. Bill Clinton didn't win the nomination till June of 1992. We've got a long way to go. George Bush has been the greatest unifying force in the history of the Democratic Party. He has brought us all together. We will be together." [Face The Nation, 5/11/08]

* McAuliffe: 'We'll All Be Over There to Help Senator Obama.' In May 2008, McAuliffe told Tim Russert on 'Meet the Press' the he would support Obama and unify the party if he were the nominee.

MR. RUSSERT: Do you believe that if Senator Obama is the nominee that those white ethnic blue collar voters will come back and support him?
MR. McAULIFFE: Yes. Sure, with -- if he's the nominee, we're not there yet, but if he happened to be the nominee, we'll all be unified. And this will all come together. It will be exciting. Everybody will be out working, Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, everybody. We'll all be over there to help Senator Obama. [Meet the Press, 5/11/08]

FALSE ATTACK: McAuliffe told Obama to kiss his ass.

FACT: The exchange Moran referenced occurred on the comedy program, The Daily Show. Terry made it clear he was joking.

* Terry McAuliffe Said He Was 'Teasing' In Exchange With Daily Show Host Jon Stewart. Terry McAuliffe went on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart the day of the final primaries in June 2008. Here is how the Washington Post reported it earlier this year: "McAuliffe later got into a comedic exchange with the host, Jon Stewart. Stewart, pretending to be Obama, asked McAuliffe a question that included an expletive to express his frustration with McAuliffe's antics on the talk-show circuit. McAuliffe's response: Obama could 'kiss my [expletive].' He quickly said he was 'just teasing.'" [Washington Post, 3/22/09]

* Video of the Stewart-McAuliffe exchange can be found here http://www.tvsquad.com/2008/06/04/the-daily-show-june-3-2008-videos/

FALSE ATTACK: Terry is all about big money.

FACT: Terry has a strong record supporting the grassroots.

* McAuliffe Fought To Improve Democratic Party Structure And Grassroots Organization. According to the Washington Post, "He forced a controversial change in the primary campaign schedule and pressed state chairmen to give up exclusive control of their voter lists. He also invested millions in a new headquarters, and gambled that the party could mount a challenge to the GOP's three decades of dominating fundraising. Every one of these high-risk tactics paid off. The schedule change gave Kerry time to raise more than $200 million; the DNC now has a voter list with information on more than 170 million people, which allows the party to develop its own direct-mail donor list. The new headquarters, in turn, is wired to run an operation increasingly dependent on the Internet and the facilities to produce all forms of telecommunications and traditional media." [Washington Post, 7/26/04]

* McAuliffe Champion Of Direct Mail And Small Donors. "Now, as DNC chairman, McAuliffe has become the champion of the direct-mail and Internet small giver. While many assumed the 2002 McCain-Feingold law would gut the Democratic Party, the party has decisively broken all 'hard money' fundraising records (contributions of $25,000 or less), eliminated debt and built a donor base that could potentially power the party for years with McAuliffe at the helm." [Washington Post, 7/26/04]

* McAuliffe Inaugural Fundraising Limited To $100 Contributions. In 1997, as Inauguration co-chair, McAuliffe limited inaugural contributions to $100, and many of the related events are charity fund-raisers. [Star Tribune, 1/20/97; San Francisco Chronicle, 1/17/97]

Tags: brian moran, macker, mcauliffe, moran, obama, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia

False and Negative

People at the highest levels of Brian Moran's campaign have been flinging mud at Terry McAuliffe for months -- and today is no exception.

Several of Moran's top strategists distributed a false, negative attack ad against Terry - accusing him of planning to fill our beaches with oil rigs, even though Terry opposes drilling for oil offshore.

These types of false attacks exact a real cost on our political process, and I'm sick of it. But that's where we're headed. As UVA Professor Larry Sabato noted recently, Moran plans to engage in "negative campaigning with all its risks."

That's why we're counting on your help to fight back right now. This race is neck and neck. We only have 46 days until the election, and it's going to come right down to the wire. By making a contribution before the April 30th fundraising deadline, you're not only funding our efforts to set the record straight, you're also proving that when Brian Moran's campaign attacks Terry, it actually strengthens our grassroots effort to make him our next governor.

Click here to make a contribution and help fight back against Brian Moran's attacks.

Time and time again, the Moran campaign has shown it's far more interested in tearing down Terry than promoting a positive vision for Virginia. One of their top consultants even wrote this week that he's "too busy trying to defeat Terry McAuliffe."

Our Commonwealth faces serious challenges, and our political discourse must rise to a level commensurate with them. That's exactly what Terry's done in this campaign. 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 is crunch time. We're coming down the home stretch, and we need your help to communicate Terry's positive message across Virginia.

Please make a contribution before April 30th. There's no time to spare.

Click here to make a contribution to help Terry win - and help him win the right way.

Thanks so much for all you've done. This campaign is about you, and we're counting on you until the very end.

Tags: brian moran, commonwealth, macker, mcauliffe, moran, positive, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia