More Moran endorsements

Brian Moran, Democratic candidate for governor, announced some more endorsements today, this time from the “bluest of counties” in Virginia: Arlington.

~ Moran’s Career in Public Service began in Arlington~

ARLINGTON – During the last stop of Brian Moran’s Virginia Values Tour, the overwhelming majority of Arlington elected officials and Democratic leaders announced their support for him to be the next Governor of Virginia. Arlington County is the where Brian Moran started his public service career as a prosecutor two decades ago. The endorsers cited his proven record of leadership in Virginia and his strong, progressive record of fighting for Virginia families.

Arlington is one of the most Democratic counties in Virginia and critical to winning any competitive primary. Arlington helped Jim Webb win his 2006 primary and provided critical Democratic votes to Barack Obama in his 2008 election victory.

Endorsing Moran were:

• Board of Supervisors. Barbara Favola (Chair), Chris Zimmerman, and Walter Tejada;
• School Board. Ed Fendley (Chair), Libby Garvey, and Abby Raphael;
• Constitutional Officers. Ingrid Morroy (Commissioner of the Revenue),  Paul Ferguson (Clerk of Court), Frank O’Leary (Treasurer), Dick Trodden (Commonwealth’s Attorney) and David Bell (former Clerk of Court);
• General Assembly. Delegates Bob Brink and Al Eisenberg, former Delegate Karen Darner and former Senator Ed Holland; and,
• Arlington Democratic Committee Chair Peter Rousselot. He joins the 8^th District Democratic Chair, Margo Horner, who was previously announced.

At the announcement, Moran outlined a progressive vision, calling for quality education for every child, a new commitment to alternative energy and efficiency, and significant investments in mass transit and rail.

“I am honored to have the support of these Arlington leaders,” Brian Moran said. “They are true champions of progressive issues and know what Virginia needs to move in the right direction. Arlington County is vital to Democratic success and I’m proud to have their support.”

Moran attended Catholic University Law School in Washington, D. C. and joined the Arlington prosecutor’s office after graduation and a clerkship.

Supporting the claim that Arlington is the bluest county in Virginia are these facts from the press release:

• Arlington County provided ½ of the victory margin for Jim Webb in his 2006 primary for the Senate .
• 83% of Arlington’s primary voters in February voted in the Democratic rather than the Republican primary.
• Arlington County voted 72% for Barack Obama in 2008 and 74% for Tim Kaine in 2005.

Further the release announced the first Moran for Governor Grassroots Action Team organizational meeting in Arlington will be on Sunday, January 11^th.  Guess Hampton Roads is next 😉 Quotes from the endorsers are below the fold.

Barbara Favola, Chair of the Arlington County Board of Supervisors

“I am enthusiastically supporting Brian Moran for Governor because he understands the issues Northern Virginia is facing. He places a high value on a good, quality public education and solving transportation congestion. Brian got his start as a public servant here in Arlington, over 20 years ago, and now we’re going to step forward to support him for Governor.”

Walter Tejada, former Chair of the Arlington County Board of Supervisors

“Brian got his start in public service fighting for families here in Arlington County and I know he will take those same values to the Governor’s office,” said. “He’s always championed equal opportunity and a level playing field for every Virginian and I believe he will be a strong voice for Virginia’s minority communities.”
Tejada is the highest ranking Latino elected Democrat in Virginia.

Dick Trodden, Arlington Commonwealth’s Attorney
“Brian Moran is the type of leader Virginia needs to keep us moving forward. He is intelligent, willing to listen and not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the work that is required. He has shown that dedication as a prosecutor in the trenches and as an effective legislator. He knows what service to Virginia means and he will continue to serve us well as Governor.”
Moran worked for Trodden’s Prosecutors office before running for the House of Delegates and Trodden introduced Moran at today’s event.

Peter Rousselot, Chair of the Arlington Democratic Committee

“Brian’s been going door to door for Virginia Democrats for over a decade,”, said. He understands that power lies with the grassroots and he’s engaged Virginia Democrats all across the Commonwealth to help him become Virginia’s next Governor. I’ve seen him fight for Virginia Democrats as a legislative leader and look forward to seeing him fight as the next Governor.”

Libby Garvey, School Board Member

“From raising teacher salaries to working to put technology in our classroom, Brian has been a lifelong champion for Virginia’s children. He has two children of his own in public schools and public education is priority number one for him. I’m proud to support someone who believes in investing in the next generation of Virginians.

Abby Raphael, School Board Member

“Brian has devoted his career to Virginia’s children and families.  As a former prosecutor and legislator, he has worked to make Virginia among the nation’s best in public safety and education.  Brian has the integrity, leadership and experience that Virginia needs.”

David A. Bell, Former Clerk of Court (1976-2007)

“I have had the opportunity to work with and observe Brian for his entire career both in the criminal justice system and as a legislator.  He demonstrates the very same qualities of accomplishment and sense of purpose that Mark Warner and Tim Kaine brought with them to the table.  Brian Moran should be our next Governor.”

Ingrid Morroy, Commissioner of Revenue

“Throughout his 20-year career in public service, Brian has woken up every day fighting for people who don’t otherwise have a voice. And he’s been a champion of progressive values while maintaining the fiscal responsibility that keeps Virginia a good place to do business.”

Paul Ferguson, Clerk of the Circuit Court for Arlington County and the City of Falls Church; Former Member, Arlington County Board

“I’ve known Brian for many years and there are few stronger champions for the most important Democratic values. Brian has led on the environment, fighting for green buildings, renewable energy and protecting us from dangerous and toxic pollution. He will be an environmental champion in the Governor’s office and I’m proud to help him get there.

Chris Zimmerman, Member of the Arlington Board of Supervisors

“Virginia’s next Governor will face many issues, but we must have someone who is a proven fighter for transportation.  Northern Virginia needs investments in public transportation — bus and rail — so we can move people, create jobs, and improve our air quality.  Brian’s been fighting for us for over a decade and we know that he’ll be there for us in Richmond.”

Delegate Al Eisenberg

“Brian Moran has led Virginia Democrats to the greatest gains in a generation and put us just steps away from the majority. He’s traveled across the state, bringing a message of opportunity for every Virginian. I’ve been proud to have him as my caucus leader and look forward to have him as my Governor.”