The gubernatorial campaign of Virginia Del. Brian Moran, emboldened by a cash lead early in the scramble for the 2009 Democratic nomination, has taken on a swagger in the race.
The bids for the governor’s mansion have been overshadowed by more immediate campaigns: The U.S. Senate race between former Govs. Mark Warner and Jim Gilmore and the intensifying Virginia operations of presidential hopefuls Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain.
But the Moran campaign last week circulated a memo to supporters that details support, fundraising growth and demographic trends that it believes will bring the Alexandria Democrat, and younger brother of U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, closer to the nomination.
Moran, chairman of the House Democratic caucus, faces state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath, in the June 2009 primary.
Deeds lost a 2005 bid for Virginia attorney general by a razor-thin margin to Robert McDonnell, who is expected to run unopposed next year as the Republican nominee for governor.
Moran’s campaign hauled in $1.38 million in the first six months of 2008, compared with Deeds’ $782,000 during the same period.
“I think we are on solid footing,” said Mame Reiley, director of Moran’s campaign. “We are building a foundation for a campaign post-election this November.”
The memo points to Northern Virginia’s Democratic shift, claiming “Moran will perform significantly better in crucial suburban and exurban localities,” and highlights polls that show roughly equivalent name recognition among potential voters, despite Deeds’ AG bid.
Deeds spokesman Peter Jackson dismissed that argument as “grasping,” saying that few people are now focused on the 2009 race.
“I think once we get into the heat of the campaign, those polling measures will make a big difference,” he said.
He touted Deeds’ ability to pick up votes in traditionally Republican areas, like the Interstate 81 corridor, and argued there is no substitute for experience running statewide.
Deeds has also picked up endorsements in the heart of Moran’s base, including from the Fairfax Coalition of Police and Senate Democratic caucus chairwoman Mary Margaret Whipple.
