From the AP:
Former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe signed papers Monday necessary to run for governor in Virginia next year.
McAuliffe told The Associated Press he set up a campaign committee and will tour Virginia for the next 60 days before making his candidacy certain.
He also said he would be announcing political advisers over the next week.
I guess that answers my question, even if he didn’t answer my email.
Actually, it’s been pretty clear for a while now that McAuliffe would enter this race, despite his saying that he’s going to tour Virginia first before making a decision. In my discussions with folks from around the Commonwealth, it seems there is a sense that McAuliffe can win the primary but cannot win in November. Perhaps someone will tell him this. I think, given Virginia’s history, the battle for the governor’s mansion for Democrats will be a tough one.
Well, I suppose this takes care of Moran’s worry about being the one sounding like an outsider on the primary stage . . .
Posted by MB | Monday, November 10, 2008, 3:02 pmMcAuliffe would be a complete disaster for the Virginia Democratic Party. We have serious, reform-minded officeholders like Mark Warner, Jim Webb, Tim Kaine, Creigh Deeds, and Brian Moran. Its so insulting for McAuliffe to swoop in and try to get in over candidates who have been in the trenches and respect the legislative process. McAuliffe is an unelectable quack just waiting to self-destruct.
Posted by RicJohn | Monday, November 10, 2008, 3:25 pmMcAuliffe entering the race isn’t good news. He’ll pull resources away from other Democratic candidates, and then likely lose. State Republicans are going to have a field day with him.
Posted by Joel McDonald | Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 12:05 am