Former Rep. Tom Perriello (VA) ended days of speculation Wednesday when he told progressive blog Blue Virginia that he won’t be running for the Democratic nomination for governor of the commonwealth next year.
Perriello confirmed the statement to TPM in a text message Wednesday afternoon.
Perriello had been mulling a run for the gubernatorial nomination against former DNC chair Terry McAuliffe, who lost in the 2009 primaries to state Sen. Creigh Deeds.
Supporters of a Perriello bid said the former representative’s liberal leanings would make him a better candidate in Virginia, which twice voted for President Obama. In his statement, Perriello praised McAuliffe and said he supports him. He urged progressives to unite with moderate Democrats in the fight against likely Republican nominee Ken Cuccinelli, Virginia’s attorney general.
“I hope that progressives and moderates can unite as Virginians choose between the worst of our past and the best of our future,” Perriello said. “Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says what he believes, but those divisive beliefs are devastating to our Commonwealth. I will be supporting Terry and all of those who are willing to put their names on the ballot to keep Virginia moving forward.”
In a statement, McAuliffe praises Perriello.
“Virginia is extremely lucky to have a leader of Tom’s character and conviction,” McAuliffe said, “and I look forward to working with him on mainstream solutions for job creation and common sense fiscal responsibility.”
This post has been updated.
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