McAuliffe Takes Steps To Run for Va. Governor

Last week, Democrats picked up the state's second U.S. Senate seat and at least two, possibly three, U.S. House seats. Presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama became the first Democrat in 44 years to carry Virginia. If Democrats can win the governor's race next year, they will strengthen their position going into redistricting in 2011, which could help them solidify their status as the majority party.

Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell is running unopposed for the Republican nomination for governor, giving him a big head start in reaching out to the swing voters who will decide the election. But Democrats could be the beneficiary next year of Obama's massive political organization in Virginia.

McAuliffe said in an interview that he is best suited to carry the Democratic banner because he will campaign as a business leader who can bring jobs to Virginia. McAuliffe also says he would be the strongest nominee because he could help finance the entire Democratic ticket.

"I have tremendous contacts everywhere and have many friends," he said. "If I decided to run, we could raise resources to run a first-class campaign. But I would also make sure House of Delegates and local races are well-funded and well-run."

Born in Syracuse, N.Y., McAuliffe began his business career as a teen and had several highly successful ventures.

He settled in Northern Virginia in the 1980s and became active in raising money for Democratic candidates and causes. He headed President Bill Clinton's finance team for the 1996 reelection campaign. He then served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2001 to 2005. He went on to chair Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign this year, often appearing on the cable talk shows.

Senate Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw (D-Fairfax) said McAuliffe "is as serious as a heart attack" about running and should be viewed as a formidable contender.

"If you spend enough money in a primary, you can probably make a big dent," Saslaw said.

McAuliffe faces hurdles in winning over the party activists who are most likely to vote in a primary.

"He has no track record of involvement in state issues, and I think primary voters will take that into consideration," said Peter Rousselot, a Moran supporter who chairs the Arlington County Democratic Committee. "He can overcome that, but he has to demonstrate he can speak effectively and with some credibility on a lot of issues he has never spoken out on before."

Rozell said McAuliffe's state experience will undoubtedly be an issue, but he said Moran and Deeds must make the argument carefully. Many Northern Virginia voters, he notes, pay more attention to federal than state issues.

"At what point does someone establish his or her credentials as what some would say a 'real Virginian?' " Rozell asked. "Here is a man who has spent the better part of his adult life in Virginia."