Virginia gubernatorial candidate Brian Moran formally kicked off his campaign Saturday with a rally at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in his hometown of Alexandria.
The former state delegate and Arlington prosecutor hit on a variety of issues in his speech, including renewable energy, children’s health care, equal rights for gay and lesbian couples, and raising the minimum wage in Virginia.
“In these difficult times, Virginia needs a leader who fights for people each and every day,” Moran said. “For 20 years, I’ve fought hard for the people of Virginia. I know we need a governor who cares more about the family dinner table than the corporate board room.”
Moran — elected to the House of Delegates in 1996 — has been traveling throughout the Commonwealth to raise money for the campaign after resigning his seat in December.
“Brian has proven his bottom-up campaign has support all over Virginia, and now he’s returned to his hometown and they are ready to step forward for him,” Campaign Chair Mame Reiley said.
He has already picked up a slew of endorsements from Northern Virginia lawmakers and officials, including the entire Alexandria City Council and Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne.
“Brian Moran has been a strong and effective leader for Alexandria, and I know he’ll stand up for all of Virginia as governor,” Mayor Bill Euille said.
“He knows how to get results for people and how to improve the lives of every Virginian. He’s someone we can trust, who knows Virginia, and will never stop fighting for us.”
Moran is vying for the Democratic nomination with former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe and Va. State Sen. Creigh Deeds.
The three are scheduled to debate Sunday at 2 p.m. at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg. The Democratic primary is on June 9.
Former Va. Attorney General Robert McDonnell, the presumptive Republican nominee, kicked off his campaign in Northern Virginia recently, with a rally at the Annandale Firehouse on March 28. A Rasmussen poll released this week showed McDonnell with a 10-point lead over Moran, a 12-point lead over McAuliffe, and a 15-point lead over Deeds.
