Tim Kaine

Kaine: Deeds Was 'Nervous' About Virginia Electorate, Shouldn't Have Distanced Himself From Obama

Eric Kleefeld | November 17, 2009, 4:03PM

DNC Chair Tim Kaine and unsuccessful VA-GOV candidate Creigh Deeds (D)

DNC chairman Tim Kaine, the outgoing Governor of Virginia, told the Washington Post that Democratic nominee Creigh Deeds made some key mistakes in his landslide defeat to Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell -- mainly failing to tie himself to President Obama and thus mobilize Democrats:

"After the [June] primary was done, his advisers basically said, distance yourself from the president. We think we have our base locked down, we've got to win independents. And we're going to win by being negative about McDonnell," Kaine said. "That was the basic strategy they pursued, despite some significant urging to the contrary."

...

Kaine said the key to victory for Democrats in a highly competitive Virginia is recognizing that party members need not be "apologetic" about their affiliation to find success. He noted that about 200,000 more people voted in the Democratic primary for president on a frigid February day in 2008 than cast ballots for Deeds this year, and said McDonnell successfully spooked Deeds by suggesting that Virginians had grown anxious about the Democratic agenda.

"I think the issue of being nervous about the Virginia electorate was overdone and I think Creigh did exactly what the McDonnell campaign hoped he would do, which was distance himself from the president and national issues," Kaine said.

VA-GOV

DGA To Deeds: You Can't Beat Fate

Evan McMorris-Santoro | November 3, 2009, 9:19PM

VA-Gov. candidate Creigh Deeds (D)

The Democratic Governors Association just offered its condolences to Creigh Deeds, who just went down in a landslide to Republican Bob McDonnell in Virgina. The DGA suggested that Deeds' defeat wasn't a failure for Democrats, but was instead the GOP just doing "what every opposition party has done for the past 36 years" -- win VA-Gov.

From DGA executive director Nathan Daschle's statement tonight:

"With the worst recession since the Great Depression and history favoring the other side, we knew this race would be difficult. Sen. Deeds ran a strong campaign, despite all the headwinds he faced. Sen. Deeds is a bipartisan leader whose work has helped countless Virginians get a better education and created economic opportunity in every corner of the state. Unfortunately, he couldn't overcome the major obstacles to victory."

Read more »

VA-GOV

Steele: GOP Sweep In Virginia 'Blow' To Obama

Christina Bellantoni | November 3, 2009, 8:14PM

Candidate For Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA)

RNC Chairman Mike Steele is happy about Bob McDonnell's win in Virginia, and sends over a statement regarding the expected sweep from the GOP ticket.

Steele takes a whack at Obama:

Read more »

VA-GOV

Virginia: McDonnell Wins After Lackluster Turnout

Christina Bellantoni | November 3, 2009, 7:59PM

VA-GOV Candidates Creigh Deeds (D) and Bob McDonnell (R)

The AP and MSNBC have called the Virginia gubernatorial race for Republican Bob McDonnell.

The unsurprising win keeps the Virginia tradition going - the party that controls the White House has lost the election for governor since 1977.

Though it came later than expected, it's bad news for Virginia Democrats, who are likely to lose House seats tonight and potentially the downticket races as well. The Democrats have held the governor's mansion since 2002 and have made gains in recent years.

President Obama was the first Democrat to win the state's presidential vote since 1964, and Virginia's electoral votes put him over the top to capture the presidency.

Creigh Deeds (D) had banked his entire strategy in the last few weeks on turning out Obama voters.

Read more »

VA-GOV

Virginia Early Results: McDonnell Leading

Christina Bellantoni | November 3, 2009, 7:31PM

VA-GOV Candidates Creigh Deeds (D) and Bob McDonnell (R)

Half an hour after polls closed and with less than 5 percent of precincts reporting in Virginia, gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell (R) is leading Creigh Deeds (D).

It's a better-than-expected result at this early hour, since Deeds had been trailing by double digits and many thought the race would be called in McDonnell's favor by this point.

The early exit polls suggest low turnout, a polarized electorate with Democrats favoring Deeds, Republicans backing McDonnell and McDonnell winning more of the indpendent voters.

Hotline OnCall has collected exit poll results.

VA-GOV

Voters Say 'Thanks But No Thanks' To VA-Gov

Evan McMorris-Santoro | November 3, 2009, 5:55PM

VA-GOV Candidates Creigh Deeds (D) and Bob McDonnell (R)

Though it's been the talk of national pundits for weeks, the Virginia gubernatorial contest has not caught the attention of voters.

From the AP:

Turnout in the race between Democrat R. Creigh Deeds and Republican Bob McDonnell was light to moderate across the state.

VA-GOV

Virginia Democrats Say There Is Strong Turnout But Reports From Field Suggest Otherwise

Christina Bellantoni | November 3, 2009, 1:44PM

VA-GOV Candidates Creigh Deeds (D) and Bob McDonnell (R)

We've been hearing all day about low turnout in Virginia, with no lines and fewer ballots turned in at this point in the day than one year ago when there was record participation.

But gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds, who is banking everything on turnout, is telling people otherwise.

Deeds Campaign Manager Joe Abbey tells reporters in an email:

"We are seeing encouraging numbers in key parts of the state. Northern and Central Virginia in particular look strong. The Charlottesville area, which includes areas represented by Creigh Deeds in the state Senate is particularly strong and 10 percent of voters in key Democratic precincts had already voted by 10 AM. Meanwhile, voters in the populous and Democratic precincts of Alexandria and Arlington have been voting at rates well above the average in other parts of the Commonwealth."

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VA-GOV

Deeds Camp: Last Minute Robertson Donations Show McDonnell's 'True Agenda'

Christina Bellantoni | November 3, 2009, 12:58PM

VA-GOV Candidates Creigh Deeds (D) and Bob McDonnell (R)

Creigh Deeds' campaign flags a Washington Post story showing his rival Bob McDonnell (R-VA) took in $40,000 from Pat Robertson, his son and daughter-in-law at the last minute.

The story shows the campaign took in $25,000 from Robertson, who McDonnell has said he has only spoken to a few times this year.

Deeds (D-VA) has made an issue of McDonnell's ties to the religious right and suggested in a statement that the Republican is trying to hide an "out-of-the-mainstream social agenda."

Spokesman Jared Leopold emailed reporters:

"Bob McDonnell's true agenda has been revealed. Pat Robertson's chosen candidate has come back home. If Virginians want a governor beholden to Pat Robertson, Bob McDonnell is their man. But if they want a jobs governor, the choice is clearly Creigh Deeds."

Jim Moran

Jim Moran: If GOP Were Running In Afghanistan, They Would Be On The 'Taliban Ticket'

Eric Kleefeld | November 3, 2009, 11:58AM

Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA)

Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) made a tough accusation against the Republicans at a Sunday get-out-the-vote rally in Virginia -- openly accusing them of being like the Taliban.

"I mean, if the Republicans were running in Afghanistan, they'd be running on the Taliban ticket as far as I can see," Moran declared.

The campaign of Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell, who has been attacked by the Democrats for his staunch social conservatism -- and a hard-right college thesis written in his 30s -- called Moran's comments "negative" and "vicious."

After that initial remark, Moran doesn't appear to be keeping this up. My TPM colleague Christina Bellantoni was at last night's rally, and tells me that Moran did not say anything like that last night. So he definitely toned it down after Sunday.

VA-GOV

Deeds Tells Voters To Ignore Polls Showing Him Losing In Landslide

Christina Bellantoni | November 3, 2009, 9:20AM

State Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-VA) asks voters to back him at his final rally in Alexandria, Virginia Nov. 2, 2009

State Sen. Creigh Deeds closed his final rally in the Virginia governor's race on a hopeful note, telling a few hundred supporters gathered in Alexandria last night the only poll that matters is taken today between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

But in a less-than-inspirational aside, Deeds (D-VA) also said he was encouraged by the results in his local Bath County high school mock election.

"That's a precursor to this election -- we're on our way baby," Deeds said, to laughter.

Deeds backers told the crowd they know Deeds is behind by double digits but they "are hearing something different" in the calls they make to get-out-the-vote.

It was also Obamatime, as each speaker urged voters to "remember how it felt" when Barack Obama held his final rally in Manassas, Virginia the night before capturing the state and the presidency.

Read more »

VA-GOV

Polls Continue To Show McDonnell's Surge

Evan McMorris-Santoro | November 2, 2009, 12:36PM

VA-Gov. candidate Robert McDonnell (R)

The good news for Virginia Republican gubernatorial nominee Bob McDonnell just keeps getting better. A pair of new polls out today show McDonnell's already large lead over Democratic nominee Creigh Deeds has grown even larger as the hours tick down to tomorrow's vote.

The latest numbers from Public Policy Polling (D) show McDonnell leading by 14. SurveyUSA's newest numbers show McDonnell's lead at 18 points.

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VA-GOV

Undecideds Choosing McDonnell In Final Days

Evan McMorris-Santoro | November 1, 2009, 11:43AM

Va-Gov Candidate Bob McDonnell

With two days to go in the state's gubernatorial race, Virginia voters are coming home to GOP nominee Bob McDonnell. That's according to numbers from an important new poll published in state newspapers today.

McDonnell has led Democratic nominee Creigh Deeds since June, a lead that has extended to double digits in recent days. But polls also showed many were still undecided in the race, giving Democrats hope for a Deeds upset Tuesday. The new numbers show those undecided voters have made up their minds -- and they've decided to vote for McDonnell.

McDonnell's lead has grown with the new support. He now dominates Deeds in the Mason-Dixon Poll, 53-41.

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Health Care

Governors (And Candidates) Span Spectrum On Public Option Opt-Out

Christina Bellantoni | October 28, 2009, 6:38PM

President Obama addresses National Governors Association

It's been two days since Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid introduced a health care bill with a public option that will allow states to opt-out.

As TPMDC wrote earlier, we still don't know the mechanism for how the states would get out (or in, if that were to happen) of the public option, but we took stock of some of the candidates for governor in Tuesday's races.

Our question: Would your state opt out of a public option?

The basic tally:

In New Jersey, Gov. Jon Corzine (D) would not. Challenger Chris Christie (R) would.

In Virginia, Bob McDonnell (R) would opt out and Creigh Deeds (D) is leaning toward opting out.

Read more »

VA-GOV

New VA-GOV Ad: McDonnell Talks About 'Hope'

Christina Bellantoni | October 28, 2009, 5:23PM

VA-Gov. Candidates Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D)

With just a few days left in the Virginia governor's race, the candidates are making their closing arguments.

TPMDC just posted the new ad from Creigh Deeds (D), who portrays himself as substantive and also is looking for a boost from Obama voters.

Bob McDonnell (R) may be thinking about Obama too, since his new ad is all about "hope."

"Our family shares the concerns and hopes for the future that you do," he says. Watch after the jump.

Read more »

VA-GOV

Deeds Campaign: We'll Win By Turning Out Obama Voters

Eric Kleefeld | October 28, 2009, 5:00PM

VA-Gov. candidate Creigh Deeds (D)

On a conference call with reporters this afternoon, the Deeds campaign explained how they plan to beat the expectations and win the Virginia gubernatorial race.

"The name of the game is getting out the vote. And people say, 'how do you expect to win at this point?" said campaign adviser Mo Elleithee. "And the answer is simple. If we can get out a significant number of people who voted for Barack Obama and Mark Warner in 2008, then we are very much in this game, and that is to be our main objective this week."

The campaign is especially targeting what it calls "Obama-surge voters," the new voters or infrequent voters who came out to polls to help Barack Obama win the state in 2008, as the first Democratic presidential candidate to do so since 1964. Polling has consistently shown that Republican voters are more motivated than Democrats in this race, with polls often showing that the likely-voter pools this time around actually voted for McCain last year.

The campaign plans to get to about 175,000 doors across the state between now and election day, with a target of 200,000 doors on the big day itself, plus there will be over 700,000 GOTV calls. The question is, will it be enough to prove all the current polls wrong?

VA-GOV

With Days To Go, Big Money Still A Factor

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 26, 2009, 6:46PM

VA-Gov. Candidates Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D)

In recent days Democrat Creigh Deeds has seen polls tilt heavily in favor of Bob McDonnell, his Republican opponent in the Virgina governor's race. But according to fundraising reports out today, his donors haven't abandoned him even as the chances of a win appear to have become more and more remote.

In the first three weeks of October, Deed raised $3.1 million according to a release from the campaign this afternoon. The campaign has slightly less than $1 million on hand to pay for GOTV and last-ditch advertising in the final eight days of the race.

The numbers put Deeds in range of McDonnell on funding, but the Republican still dominates him in both poll numbers and fundraising. McDonnell raised $4 million in the first 21 days of October, according to the campaign, and enters the final sprint to finish line with $1.8 million on hand, just about double what Deeds has in his warchest.

VA-GOV

McDonnell Takes Big Lead In Final Washington Post Poll

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 26, 2009, 6:34PM

VA gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell

GOP nominee Bob McDonnell has taken his biggest lead in the Washington Post's poll of the Virginia gubernatorial race eight days before voters go to the polls.

McDonnell's lead over Democratic nominee Creigh Deeds is now 55-44, according to the Post. The last Post poll showed McDonnell winning 53-44.

VA-GOV

Deeds On White House Displeasure: 'I Don't Know What It's All About'

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 23, 2009, 5:01PM

Va-Gov Candidate Creigh Deeds (D), President Barack Obama

Creigh Deeds said this afternoon he was confused and surprised by news that the White House feels he's dug his own grave in the race to become the next governor of Virginia.

This morning, the Washington Post published a story recounting displeasure on the part of White House officials over the way Deeds has campaigned against GOP nominee Bob McDonnell. Current polls show Deeds down by double digits in the contest, and unnamed White House officials told the Post Deeds had only himself to blame for the situation. The officials claimed Deeds had ignored calls from from White House and other Democratic officials that he focus more his attention on being proactive about the issues driving the election and less on McDonnell's 1989 master's thesis claiming that working women are "detrimental" to the traditional family.

On a press call this afternoon, Deeds said he hadn't read the story but seemed knowledgeable about its central themes.

"I understand the article says we didn't follow their advice," he said under questioning from TPMDC. "But I don't know what that's about. I honestly don't."

Read more »

VA-GOV

Steele, Webb Fan Out Across VA Today

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 23, 2009, 8:52AM

RNC Chair Michael Steele, Senator Jim Webb (D-VA)

As the clock runs down on the Virginia gubernatorial contest, the cavalcade of stars is in full swing. Today, RNC chair Michael Steele and Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) will both appear in the state to stump for their party's nominee.

Webb will make a stop in Northern Virginia for Creigh Deeds this afternoon. A high turnout in the vote rich, Democratic-leaning region is vitally important for Deeds if he hopes to pull off what polls show would be an upset win over Republican Bob McDonnell.

At the same time, Steele will be kicking of a two stop tour through Virginia's southern coastal region. Steele will stump for McDonnell in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.

Read more »

VA-GOV

RGA Targets Deeds Over Public Option In New Ads

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 22, 2009, 12:20PM

VA-Gov. Candidates Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D)

Saw this coming -- the RGA has turned yet another Creigh Deeds awkward moment from a post-debate gaggle into yet another negative TV ad slamming the Democratic nominee in the Virginia gubernatorial contest.

Last month, Deeds stumbled over reporters' questions about taxes immediately following widely reported debate in Fairfax County, the heart of the D.C. suburbs. The RGA turned the moment into at least three ads, hammering Deeds for what the party said was his attempt to "have it both ways" on raising taxes.

After a televised debate Monday night, the RGA says in it's new ad, Deeds stepped in it again over his support (or lack thereof) for a public option in the health care reform debate.

Read more »

VA-GOV

Down To The Wire In Virginia - All Hands On Deck To Get-Out-The-Vote

Christina Bellantoni | October 22, 2009, 11:03AM

President Barack Obama, Va-Gov Candidate Creigh Deeds, Va-Gov Candidate Bob McDonnell, DNC Chair Tim Kaine

Democrats already have their talking points ready for what's seeming more likely - that they will lose the governor's mansion in Virginia.

Activists on the ground and Democratic officials and campaign operatives from across the state are telling TPMDC they are losing hope in the final two weeks of the race between former attorney general Bob McDonnell (R) and state senator Creigh Deeds (D).

It's the most expensive race the Democratic Governors Association has ever run, spokeswoman Emily DeRose tells TPMDC. The DGA put in $3 million toward the Common Sense Virginia group before the primary to run against McDonnell, and then gave $1 million directly to Deeds. The DNC has pledged $6 million in total.

Here's what we know - Deeds is in serious trouble. He's bleeding support from Democrats who are worried about a lackluster campaign and think a McDonnell win seems inevitable.

But - there's a glimmer of hope in President Obama, who continues to attract massive crowds at political events, and would really like to pull out a victory in the state that put him over the top last fall.

The polls showing Deeds behind are capturing the preference of likely voters, which in most cases are identified by having voted several times. If Obama can help Deeds bring out core groups of his '08 winning coalition - young people and new black voters - it could make the difference.

Read more »

VA-GOV

GOP Jumps On Deeds' Public Option Remarks

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 21, 2009, 11:50AM

Virginia Republicans are highlighting Creigh Deeds' (D) remarks about a public option from last night's gubernatorial debate as another example of what the party claims is Deeds' desire to have it both ways on national issues.

At the traditional post-debate press gaggle last night Deeds was peppered with questions about the public option, which he said he would "consider opting out of" if such an option was available to states in a final health care reform bill. Asked by a reporter if he was opposed to the public option, Deeds exclaimed, "No! I never said that!"

The state GOP posted video of the moment this morning.

Read more »

VA-GOV

Obama, Deeds Choose Norfolk For Rally Tuesday

Christina Bellantoni | October 21, 2009, 11:44AM

Va-Gov Candidate Creigh Deeds (D), President Barack Obama

TPMDC has learned President Obama will campaign with gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds (D-VA) at Old Dominion University in Norfolk next Tuesday.

The campaign announced Friday that Obama would be hitting the trail with a to-be-determined location. Michelle Obama did an event at ODU last fall to court military families.

Turnout is critical in Virginia with Deeds so far behind in the polls and less than two weeks to go before the election.

The presidential rally in Norfolk is a double whammy that allows the team to reach both young college voters and black voters, demographic groups that helped Obama win big in Virginia last fall.

It also helps Deeds in optics since some wondered if Obama would just cross the Potomac for a short hop.

VA-GOV

Poll: Dems Planning To Stay Home Nov. 3

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 21, 2009, 11:18AM

VA-Gov. Candidates Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D)

The Democratic base is planning on staying away from the polls Nov. 3, less than a year after they braved long lines to cast ballots for President Obama. That's according to a new poll from Public Policy Polling (D) out today.

From the PPP release:

The voters planning to turn out this fall supported John McCain by six points, a clear indication that many Democratic voters are just planning to stay at home.

Bob McDonnell (R) continues to lead the race against Creigh Deeds, 52-40, "up from 48-43 three weeks ago."

Read more »

VA-GOV

WaTimes: 'Only in a fairy-tale VA are voters more worried about condoms than about years of failed Dem leadership'

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 21, 2009, 10:56AM

VA-Gov. candidate Robert McDonnell (R)

Last week, Democratic nominee Creigh Deeds was touting the endorsement of his gubernatorial bid from a D.C. news outlet. This morning it was Republican nominee Bob McDonnell's turn. McDonnell earned the glowing praise of the Washington Times, which said McDonnell was "leading with ideas."

From the editorial:

"[T]he only choice for governor of Virginia is Robert F. McDonnell. Dealing with Virginia's recession requires a leader who is willing to take responsibility, not hide behind the soft and fuzzy rhetoric of bipartisanship and commissions."

Read more »

VA-GOV

Deeds Launches New TV Ad Featuring Obama

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 21, 2009, 9:54AM

Va-Gov Candidate Creigh Deeds (D), President Barack Obama

With less than two weeks to go before election day, Creigh Deeds is bringing out the big guns in the Virginia air war. The Democratic nominee for governor launched a new TV ad today featuring President Obama calling on state Democrats to continue the momentum from his historic victory in the state last year.

From the script:

Last year, Virginia, you helped lead a movement of Americans who believed that their voices could make a difference. That's what we need to do in this race.

Read more »

VA-GOV

Deeds: 'I Would Consider Opting Out' Of A Public Option

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 21, 2009, 9:27AM

VA-GOV candidate Creigh Deeds (D)

At the final debate of race last night, Virginia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Creigh Deeds said he "shared the broad goals" of health care reform, but would "certainly consider opting out" of a public option "if that were available to Virginia."

"I'm not afraid of going against my fellow Democrats when they're wrong," Deeds said. "A public option isn't required in my view."

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VA-GOV

Does Deeds Really Need Wilder?

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 20, 2009, 6:51PM

Va-Gov candidate Creigh Deeds, Former Governor L. Douglas Wilder (D-Va)

How much does former Virginia Gov. Doug Wilder's refusal to endorse Creigh Deeds hurt the Democratic nominee for governor?

It's bad news, according to some state Democrats. But African American grassroots leaders who helped Obama win the state last year say Wilder's backing would be nice, but isn't really that important.

"I think Deeds will win without it," said Stephanie Meyers, national co-chair of Black Women For Obama For Change, an offshoot group of the grassroots organization that helped Obama become the first Democrat to win Virginia since 1964 last year. The group just reactivated its Virginia activists for Deeds and is currently running a national phone bank on his behalf.

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VA-GOV

Latest Poll: McDonnell 59, Deeds 40

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 20, 2009, 6:42PM

VA-Gov. Candidates Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D)

A new SurveyUSA poll posted tonight shows the Virginia governor race has broken wide open as the days tick down to the Nov. 3 election. Republican nominee Bob McDonnell now leads Democrat Creigh Deeds by 19 points, 59-40. A similar SurveyUSA poll last week showed the race at 54-43 in favor of McDonnell.

According to the release, "McDonnell leads among both men and women, young and old, rich and poor, educated and less-educated, and in all regions of the state."

VA-GOV

Clinton: 'Are The Polls Right? Yes, No And Maybe'

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 20, 2009, 4:57PM

VA-Gov Candidate Creigh Deeds, Former President Bill Clinton, Former DNC Chair Terry MacAuliffe

Bill Clinton told Democrats at an appearance in Northern Virginia this afternoon that victory for Creigh Deeds depended on how much they're "willing to step into the breach" and overcome their nominee's lagging poll numbers. Flanked by Deeds and Terry McAuliffe, the man he fought hard for in the Democratic primary, Clinton mused on Deeds' come-come-from-behind victory in the contest.

"I learned two things in the primary The first is never underestimate this man," he said of Deeds. "The second is polls are both accurate and they're not."

Read more »

VA-GOV

Wilder: If McDonnell Wins, 'Virginia Won't Sink Into The Seas'

Christina Bellantoni | October 20, 2009, 12:30PM

Former VA Gov. Douglas Wilder

Former Virginia Gov. Doug Wilder (D) says he trusts voters to make the right choice in two weeks, and would be just fine with Bob McDonnell (R) leading Virginia.

"The world won't come to an end, Virginia won't sink into the seas," Wilder told TPMDC in an interview.

Wilder, the Democrat who won't endorse the Democratic candidate for governor Creigh Deeds, referenced the recent polls.

"I seem to be in pretty good company with the majority of voters of Virginia," Wilder said, and wouldn't tell me who he'll be voting for Nov. 3.

Read more »

VA-GOV

McDonnell's Lead Grows To Eight Points, 49-41

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 20, 2009, 8:52AM

VA-Gov. Candidates Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D)

A new poll out this morning shows Bob McDonnell extending his lead in the Virginia gubernatorial race two weeks before Election Day. McDonnell now leads his Democratic opponent, Creigh Deeds 49-41. Ten percent of voters remain undecided in the contest.

The poll of 605 registered voters was conducted by Clarus research over the weekend. In Clarus' last poll, taken in Sept., McDonnell led by 5 points with 20% undecided.

Internals from the poll show McDonnell gaining among women, independents and voters outside the populous D.C. suburbs. Despite weeks of Democratic attacks over his 1989 master's thesis -- attacks which focused on his negative views of women in the workplace at the time -- McDonnell now leads among women by one point.

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VA-GOV

Deeds Camp: WaPo Endorsement 'Helpful,' But 'Not A Game Changer'

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 19, 2009, 4:17PM

On a conference call with reporters this afternoon, Creigh Deeds adviser Mo Elleithee said this weekend's Washington Post endorsement likely was not enough on its own to turn things around for Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial nominee.

"It's certainly helpful," Eleithee told TPMDC. "But look, I don't think there's going to be a single defining moment or a 'game changer,' which is a phrase people have been throwing around."

Eleithee said the endorsement, which was largely seen as the single moment that changed Deeds fortunes in the primary last June, was "just a piece" of Deeds' turnaround strategy this time.

"Everyday, we've got to win the battle between now and Election Day," he said.

Read more »

VA-GOV

Newspaper Endorsements Take Center Stage, Again

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 19, 2009, 12:43PM

VA-Gov. Candidates Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D)

It was a deja vu weekend in the Virginia governor race. Newspaper endorsements, seen as a key factor in the Democratic primary in June, returned to the spotlight after the Washington Post doubled down on its strong endorsement of Creigh Deeds from the summer.

Deeds, down in the polls just like he was before the primary, is hoping that the Post endorsement will again lead to the late surge that his camp has said was key to its landslide primary victory. But his opponent, Bob McDonnell (R), has a string of endorsements of his own, including one from a major state paper that endorsed Gov. Tim Kaine (D) four years ago.

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VA-GOV

President Obama Will Rally With Deeds One Week Before Election

Christina Bellantoni | October 16, 2009, 7:02PM

Va-Gov Candidate Creigh Deeds (D), President Barack Obama

Virginia gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds (D) just announced President Obama will campaign with him.

It's no surprise Obama would cross the Potomac for Deeds on the eve of such a critical election. The rally will be Tuesday, Oct. 27, one week before the election.

The White House has said Obama strongly supports Deeds and will do all he can to help him defeat Republican candidate Bob McDonnell. Obama activated his grassroots supporters from his Organizing for America campaign list earlier this week, asking them to volunteer this weekend.

Obama was last in Virginia for Deeds Aug. 7.

Deeds is behind in the polls and some Democrats are worried.

VA-GOV

McAuliffe Defends Himself, Says Deeds Can Still Win

Evan McMorris-Santoro | October 16, 2009, 6:59PM

Former DNC Chair Terry McAuliffe (center)

In his interview with TPMDC this afternoon, Terry McAuliffe pushed back on the national media's coverage of him in recent weeks, and media reports that Creigh Deeds is limping toward the finish line in the Virginia Governor's race.

In recent days, several articles have suggested McAuliffe and his supporters have strong opinions about how Deeds has run the race against Bob McDonnell (R). But McAuliffe rejected the idea that it was time to count Deeds out.

"I think a lot of journalists are going to look foolish when Creigh Deeds wins this election," he said.

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