Moran for Governor

On June 9, 2009, Democrats across Virginia will chose our nominee for Governor. It is no secret that I will be casting my vote for Brian J. Moran.

I actually made my decision a long time ago. Moran is the candidate whose views most closely match my own. No, we don’t agree on everything, but I accept that finding a candidate whose views are the same as mine is an impossibility.  I recall how I felt after he and I spent some time getting to know each other a few years ago: here was a candidate I could enthusiastically support. Nothing has happened in the interim to change my mind. If anything, the passage of time has reinforced my decision.

I think a person’s background is a pretty good indicator of what they will do in the future. Moran grew up in a large family and is the youngest of seven. He played football, which no doubt taught him the value of teamwork. He worked his way through college and law school, which no doubt taught him the value of the dollar. He was a prosecutor, which no doubt taught him the value of law and order. He is a small business owner, so he knows about making payroll and paying bills. And I’ll bet he knows – as Mark Warner often says – how to read a balance sheet.

Of course, he was a member of the legislature for twelve years, from 1996 until last week. He and his wife, Karyn, are the parents of two young children, both of whom attend public school. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of other candidates, as a cheerleader, as a fundraiser, and as a mentor. He has been recognized by his peers, the business community, law enforcement and others as a leader.

But none of this is what is most impressive about Moran.

What impresses me the most is that Brian cares: he cares about the people, he cares about the environment and he cares about our Commonwealth. Not in that shallow way that many politicians “care” but in the truest sense of the way a public servant cares. It is why he sponsored Alicia’s Law, supported an increase in the minimum wage, and purchased carbon credits for the VA delegation to the national convention. It is also why he believes in law and order and supports the death penalty.

In other words, he wants what is best for all of Virginia.

That is what I want in a governor. That is why I support Brian Moran.