Weekly Blog Roundup 6/5/09

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weekly Blog Roundup 5/28/09

Just like Terry and all of our supporters, the blogosphere is gearing up for Election Day. This week bloggers have been talking about which candidates are looking good in the polls, Terry's latest endorsements, and events leading up to the final week. We're just as excited as bloggers are for the upcoming primary election, which is why we all agree we need to put every ounce of that energy into getting out the vote.

Terry has received numerous endorsements this week, including former Lieutenant Governor Candidate Jon Bowerbank and prominent Virginia blogger Ben Tribbett. Ben explains his reasons for endorsing Terry at his blog, Not Larry Sabato.

This hasn't been an easy choice… But after a lot of thought, I'm going to support Terry McAuliffe for Governor. A few reasons: The national media has been salivating over this race since Terry got into it waiting for a gaffe that they could jump on and blow up. It hasn't happened, because Terry has researched the issues, learned local politics in every corner of the Commonwealth and surrounded himself with a first rate campaign team. I think that indicates that Terry is ready for the General Election... He can take on the toughest fights- and drive the General Assembly to solutions. …we need a Governor to shake things up in Richmond. Terry is the right man at this time to do so… More importantly, Terry is giving people a little bit of that hope we got in 2008 and that kind of optimistic attitude can do everyone a lot of good right now.

Other bloggers are also enthusiastically supporting Terry, including the most recent endorsement from the blog X Curmudgeon.

In the end we had to go with the man we thought would run the best campaign. Of the three Democratic candidates, we think McAuliffe will do the best job running against McDonnell. ...More importantly, however, McAuliffe has run a clean, upbeat, well-oiled campaign. ...Equally important--and a question mark for us at the beginning of the campaign--T.M. has shown a good deal of substance on the campaign trail. We don't think he'd just be an empty suit in the Governor's Mansion if elected. ...Three-four months ago, we couldn't have seen ourselves endorsing Terry McAuliffe. But come November, we're going to need his energy, the money he can raise, and the enthusiasm he can generate.

At Blue Virginia, Lowell reported on Terry’s glowing endorsement from the Richmond Free Press, Virginia’s leading African-American newspaper.

Great news for Terry McAuliffe, as (already strong) African American support for his candidacy appears to be gaining momentum as we get closer to election day (in addition, there was the Richmond Crusade for Voters' endorsement of Terry several days ago). …The Free Press writes that in order to "keep up the Virginia momentum for President Obama's audacious program of hope and change...we must elect the strongest Democratic candidate with the ability to defeat the Republican candidate in the Nov. 3 General Election."

In a diary at Daily Kos, Alankrishnan wrote about President Clinton campaigning with Terry in Herndon and Annandale a couple weeks ago.

President Clinton referred to McAuliffe as his best friend and made it very clear that his support of McAuliffe in this race was not just because of friendship but because of McAuliffe being best qualified to be the next Governor of Virginia. …McAuliffe made a fiery speech calling for unity and working together for the growth and success of Virginia… He thanked all his supporters for the confidence and support in the race and promised he will continue to work very hard to protect the jobs of every one in Virginia …He concluded by exhorting every one to unite under one sign after June 9th, no matter what sign they carried now….I walked around and spoke with several in the audience. Among those I met is a seasoned Obama campaign volunteer in Herndon who is totally convinced that McAuliffe is our best candidate to be the next Governor of Virginia. She is putting together a team of volunteers to help make this campaign.

He also provided video of the event in Herndon:

Tags: ben tribbett, bill clinton, bloggers, blogs, clinton, endorsements, jon bowerbank, macker, mcauliffe, polls, richmond free press, t-mac, terry, terry mcauliffe, va-gov, virginia, weekly blog roundup

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

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