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McAuliffe's Fundraising Chops Worry Va. Gov Rivals

Former DNC chair's charm, huge rolodex, could upend race

By Gabriel Winant,  Newser User

Posted Dec 29, 2008 11:10 AM CST
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(Newser) – Terry McAuliffe is planning a run for governor of Virginia, and, given the Democrat's formidable rep as a fundraiser, he’s looking like a major factor, reports the Washington Post. Virginia has little campaign finance regulation, meaning that McAuliffe, with his national network of deep-pocketed friends and his skill at charming new supporters, could raise as much as $80 million. “I think the sky is the limit,” says a former federal elections commissioner.

McAuliffe’s rivals weren’t counting on having to face Daddy Warbucks; advisers to his Democratic competitors peg the cost of running in the primary around $3 million but say McAuliffe could triple that. Brian Moran, a state representative, has resigned his job to focus on fundraising. “Virginia is not for sale,” Moran told McAuliffe in a recent forum.

Terry McAuliffe, potential Virginia gubernatorial candidate and former campaign chairman for Hillary Rodham Clinton, arrives at Clinton's home Wednesday, May 14, 2008 in Washington.
Terry McAuliffe, potential Virginia gubernatorial candidate and former campaign chairman for Hillary Rodham Clinton, arrives at Clinton's home Wednesday, May 14, 2008 in Washington.   (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Hillary Clinton celebrates with her then-campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe, left, at her West Virginia primary night victory event in Charleston, W. Va. Tuesday, May 13, 2008.
Hillary Clinton celebrates with her then-campaign chairman Terry McAuliffe, left, at her West Virginia primary night victory event in Charleston, W. Va. Tuesday, May 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
McAuliffe rival Brian Moran, right, listens during a press conference at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008.
McAuliffe rival Brian Moran, right, listens during a press conference at the Capitol in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2008.   (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
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I can't keep up with him, but I don't think I have to. I just have to get my message out. - Creigh Deeds, VA state senator and McAuliffe rival

I have heard a lot of money—money that this state has never seen. - Richard L. Saslaw, state Senate majority leader

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
DeniseVB
Dec 29, 2008 12:09 AM CST
The Dems in VA will destroy each other in the primaries leaving this wide open for the GOP to slip in their homeboy McConnell, who was already selected without political bloodshed :)
Guest
Dec 28, 2008 11:59 PM CST
Infidel, don't worry about Virginia, it's not for sale. or would you like to buy it?????????????
Guest
Dec 28, 2008 11:45 PM CST
Virginia is for sale, just as the US presidency was. B. Hussein swamped the uniformed electorate with dubious advertisements which his opponent was unable to rebuff because of a lack of money. McAuliffe will do the same in Virginia.

McAuliffe's website
terrymcauliffe.com

McAuliffe borrowing tactics from former rival, Obama campaign
Washington Post

 
Virginia • Terry McAuliffe • governor

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