I am at a celebration in Fairfax City of Deeds supporters. State Senator Chap Petersen organized this. State Senator Mary Margaret Whipple (mine) is here. Lots of labor types, especially from law enforcement. Steve Shannon, our Dem. Candidate for AG.
Originally as the editor in chief of Blue Commonwealth, I thought I would stay neutral, as all 3 men were acceptable to me. But more than a month ago, when Creigh was still way back in third place, it became clear to e that reigh was the best candidate - he would make the best governor, and he would be the strongest candidate the Dems could put forth. I endorsed him them.
The next day as I was teaching my cell went off, and it was Creigh, personally thanking me for my support and and telling me how he was going to win.
Let me share a few thoughts about Creigh, tonight, and the campaign ahead.
Creigh is one of the finest people I have met in public service. He in an incredibly nice person, who is firmly rooted in Virginia.
He has huge appeal to independents and to some Republicans. He is something of a moderate, but he has had strong ratings from environmental groups as well as gun rights groups.
I knew by 7:20 that Creigh was going to win. When the first two precints came in from Arlington, and Creigh had won, I knew it was over. All of Arlington County is in Jim Moran's CD. Brian had a big campaign office in a prominent location in N. Arlington. And Creigh was winning precincts that Brian should have owned.
I had earlier seen the results of absentees from Alexandria, Brian's community of residence, and he was not blowing Creigh away.
Creigh is very smart politically. He is highly respected by his colleagues - he was Dem. Caucus chair in the House of Delegates before he moved to the State Senate. His State Senate colleagues strongly supported him.
I think Creigh Deeds is Bob McDonnell's worst nightmare. Too many people took too seriously that Bob beat Creigh for AG. By 323 votes, in a race where Bob had far more money - Creigh will not lack for money in this race. And the African-American community did not really know Creigh the last time. They do now, and he had some prominent African-American endorsers. He will be able to turn out those voters.
One merely needs to note that Creigh is winning every part of the state to realize that he has a strong base of support across the Commonwealth.
He will have a tough battle. But anyone who underestimates Creigh does so at their own peril. I chose to endorse him when he was a distant third, because he would make the best governor.
The magnitude of this win will speak volumes. He had the least money, but spent the most wisely.
His opponent is a graduate of Pat Robertson's law school. Creigh's law degree is from Wake Forest. Creigh is sensible. Bob McDonnell will try to position himself as more moderate than he actually is.
This is a very important contest. I will try to get Creigh to come and chat with this community - I cannot guarantee it, but I think he will consider it. I already have his commitment to visit us at Blue Commonwealth
I have chosen to support primary candidates because I thought each was the best person for the job. I was right on that with Jim Webb in 2006. I know I am right about Creigh Deeds.
And now, since someone else is buying my drinks, I plan to celebrate this smashing victory by a fine man who will make a wonderful Governor of Virginia.
Peace.