Terry McAuliffe Makes Campaign Stop In Bristol

BRISTOL, Va. – Promising to work harder than every other gubernatorial candidate before and after Election Day, Terry McAuliffe brought his high energy campaign to the Twin City on Thursday.

A day after formally announcing his bid for the nomination, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee spoke to a crowd of about 60 during an hour-long, town hall-style meeting at the Southeast Culinary and Hospitality College.

“I believe we need to create jobs to grow this economy,” McAuliffe said. “As governor, I’ll get up every morning thinking about how I can create jobs.”

McAuliffe, who previously chaired Hillary Clinton’s failed presidential campaign, predicted 2009 would be the worst economic year “since the great Depression.”

The next governor needs to look ahead at ways to stimulate the economy and create jobs rather than reduce programs or raise taxes, he said.

“I promise you, I’ll create more jobs than 49 other governors or I’ll consider myself a failure,” he said.

Bristol was McAuliffe’s third and final campaign stop of the day, on the heels of four town hall meetings across the state Wednesday. He is scheduled to attend about 10 more similar events during the coming days.

McAuliffe joins state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville, and Delegate Brian Moran, D-Alexandria, on the Democratic side. Attorney General Bob McDonnell is the lone GOP candidate. The general election is Nov. 3.

McAuliffe received considerable applause for pledges to improve transportation issues on Interstate 81 by promoting high-speed rail, increase pay for teachers and improve the state’s environmental policies.

“Virginia needs to be a leader in renewable energy,” the candidate said, adding he wants to develop biomass, biofuel and wind farms as alternative energy sources.

In response to a question, McAuliffe said he supports coal, but also supports research to make coal burn cleaner.

Accompanied by his wife, Dorothy, the 51-year-old businessman also gave the crowd a glimpse at his campaign strategy.

“I want every single vote,” he said. “I hope to build huge grassroots support with the largest ground operation ever in Virginia. We’re deploying dozens of people today and we plan to compete for votes in every part of the state.”

McAuliffe, who visited Bristol just before the presidential election, said he plans to return many times during the gubernatorial campaign.

After the town hall event, attendee Linda Fore said she liked McAuliffe’s enthusiasm.

“I think he’s enthusiastic, but I haven’t made up my mind yet,” she said.

Catherine Brillhart, chairwoman of the city’s Democratic Party, said Thursday was her second chance to speak with McAuliffe.

“I’m quite impressed with Terry,” Brillhart said. “He’s very enthusiastic and one to be admired, for what he’s accomplished.”

Attorney Bernard Via said he is also undecided this early in the process.

“I think he has a good chance,” Via said. “He’s a smart man and we need smart people in high places.”

Jane Sheffey of Bristol, Va., indicated her mind was already made up.

“Virginia could do no better than Terry McAuliffe as our next governor,” Sheffey said. “He understands the needs and problems of Virginia.”

| (276) 645-2532