Race to Richmond

Governor's Race

Obama Visits Va., But Not for Deeds

President Obama was in Fairfax County on Wednesday, but not to campaign for Democratic gubernatorial candidate R. Creigh Deeds.

Instead, Obama visited the Fairfax County Parkway extension with U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to talk about federal stimulus spending.

After days of public discussions about whether Obama will visit Virginia again on the state senator's behalf before the election Nov. 3 and whether the president is trying to limit his exposure in the swing state in anticipation of a possible loss by Deeds (D-Bath), that's got to hurt.

The campaign said that it's not unusual for Obama to make quick hops across the Potomac to talk about federal policy and that it would be rare to commingle a political event with a policy event.

Plus, former vice president Al Gore will be doing an event for Deeds on Friday, a private fundraiser in McLean.

"The White House has been very clear that the Virginia governor's race is a huge priority for them. We've been thrilled with their commitment so far," said Deeds's senior adviser, Mo Elleithee.

Meanwhile, U.S. House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) was scheduled to host a low-dollar fundraiser with young professionals Wednesday night in the District for GOP candidate Robert F. McDonnell. Democrats issued multiple statements criticizing the former state attorney general for appearing with a congressman who opposes the federal stimulus package and accused him of opposing it, too.

McDonnell wasn't a fan of the package, but he has said he would accept the federal money if elected.

-- Rosalind S. Helderman and Anita Kumar