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

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.

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VA-GOV

Despite Request From Obama, Wilder Refuses To Endorse Deeds

Rachel Slajda | September 24, 2009, 4:23PM

Former VA Gov. Douglas Wilder

Former Gov. Douglas Wilder (D-VA) will not endorse Democrat Creigh Deeds in this year's gubernatorial race, despite a personal request from President Obama to do so.

In a column on the web site Virginia Tomorrow, Wilder wrote that Deeds's stance on handguns and taxes are what led him to refrain from an endorsement.

Deeds opposes a law that allows residents to purchase only one handgun a month. He has also said he would raise taxes to fix Virginia's transportation system.

Wilder said Obama asked him to endorse Deeds.

"I'm not thinking the president is going to be pleased," he told CNN. He and the President "have a very good relationship," he said.

Wilder's refusal of Obama comes after reports that the President asked New York Gov. David Paterson to step aside in next year's gubernatorial race. Paterson says he is still in the race.