Deeds to get boost from Obama, Clinton
By: David Sherfinski
Examiner Staff Writer
October 18, 2009
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds will get a boost on the campaign trail from President Barack Obama and former president Bill Clinton, as national Democratic figures focus their attention on the governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey.
Former president Bill Clinton and rival Terry McAuliffe, who Deeds defeated in the June primary, will appear with Deeds at an event on Tuesday. An even bigger boost for the Democrat will come on Oct. 27, when President Barack Obama will campaign with Deeds. Further details will be announced in the coming days, according to a release from Deeds' campaign.
Former vice president Al Gore also lent his support to the state senator's campaign, headlining a fundraiser for Deeds in McLean Friday night.
The president's political arm, Organizing For America, sought to galvanize voters this weekend, urging them to participate in canvassing events for Deeds.
"The progress we've made in Virginia has to continue, and Creigh Deeds is the only candidate who is committed to making sure it does," read an e-mail sent to the candidate's supporters on Friday. "His opponent, Bob McDonnell, voted in favor of pay discrimination against women and has expressed views about women and families that have no place in Virginia today...We all have our reasons for getting involved. But there's one thing we can all do about it: Get out there and spread the word together this weekend."
Deeds swung through the Commonwealth on Saturday in an attempt to shore up his Democratic support -- a little more than two weeks ahead of the election. He held a canvassing event in Fairfax Saturday morning, then headed to Falls Church and Annandale with current Virginia governor Tim Kaine and Jody Wagner, who is running for lieutenant governor against Republican incumbent Bill Bolling. The full Democratic ticket -- Deeds, Wagner, and candidate for attorney general Steve Shannon -- was scheduled to make an appearance at the University of Mary Washington Saturday afternoon.
