Moran Resigns From Va. Assembly

Del. Brian J. Moran, Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, and Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell, are seen before a debate at the Capital in Richmond, Va. (Bob Brown - AP)

Moran's brother, U.S. Rep. James P. Moran, said to stop raising money during the legislative session "is like you are running a marathon and you decide to sit down by the side of the trail and have lunch."

Besides being able to raise more money this winter, Brian Moran also will be able to travel the state in January and February instead of being tied down in Richmond. He will avoid tough votes on budget cuts, as well as possible tax or fee increases, as Virginia grapples with a $2 billion budget shortfall.

During his tenure, Moran led the fight to win passage of former governor Mark R. Warner's $1.4 billion tax increase for education in 2004, pushed for a new law to crack down on child sex predators and co-wrote Virginia's felony DUI law. Under his leadership, House Democrats have picked up 12 seats since 2001. "We have had no better leader than Brian Moran," said House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong (D-Henry).

It would be far more difficult for Deeds to step down. With Democrats holding a narrow 21 to 19 majority in the Senate, the GOP would take over if Deeds resigned and a Republican won his seat because the Republican lieutenant governor would cast the tie-breaking vote.

In a statement, Deeds took a subtle swipe at Moran, suggesting he was walking away from the fight over the budget.

"What Virginia needs most is steady leadership during these trying economic times," said Peter Jackson, a Deeds spokesman. "Senator Deeds will continue fighting for Virginia's working families."

Moran's response: "This isn't about the next 45 days, it's about the next four years."

McAuliffe spokesman Mo Elleithee said: "The people of Virginia are losing a top-notch legislative leader at a very challenging time. . . . We hope his seat is filled as soon as possible so we don't have a void during the upcoming legislative session."

There will be a special election to replace Moran on Jan. 13, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) said in a statement.

Moran, who chaired the House Democratic Caucus, said it is not uncommon for Virginia politicians to leave their jobs to seek higher office. In 2001, Kaine stepped down as Richmond mayor to run for lieutenant governor. And Virginia attorneys general traditionally resign their posts when they run for governor.

But there are considerable risks in Moran's decision. By stepping away from the legislative session, Moran is ceding the spotlight in January and February to Deeds when it comes to making policy. "It gives Creigh a chance to grab the headlines," Saslaw said.

Moran also is sending a signal that he hopes to remain competitive with McAuliffe in the money race, which political observers say will be an enormous challenge. The pressure is now on Moran to prove he can raise the money while the legislature is in session, they said.

Despite those potential pitfalls, political analyst Robert D. Holsworth said Moran's decision is "smart and probably necessary."

"McAuliffe's potential entry has clearly upped the ante here," said Holsworth, a political science professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. "Moran is on a very different playing field right now, and he really needs to go at this full time."