VA GUBE -- McAuliffe Raises $1M Since Nov.

Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe has raised almost $1M from Virginians since announcing in November that he was exploring a bid for governor, according to a memo released today by his campaign manager.

McAuliffe, the newest entry in a three-way Democratic primary, raised the cash from Virginia residents, campaign manager Mike Henry said in the memo.

"We set a goal for that six-week period to raise half a million dollars in Virginia – and we’ve nearly doubled it," Henry said. "This is great news and matches the enthusiasm Terry’s been seeing out on the road – the announcement tour has been a tremendous success. The response to Terry’s message about getting our economy moving again has been exceptionally strong. And the media response has been outstanding."

The dollar amount comes as no surprise. McAuliffe, a McLean resident, has a rolodex to match any of the candidates he's backed through the years. His fundraising prowess has never been in question. The looming issue is how much he can raise in-state, and will it be enough to quiet cries from his opponents that he's a veritable carpetbagger looking to buy the nomination.

In the hours before McAuliffe's team released their baseline fundraising numbers, his Democratic opponents -- state Sen. Creigh Deeds and former VA Del. Brian Moran -- released a flurry of press releases touting a range of credentials, from their able campaign staffs and readiness for the job to ties to the Tim Kaine legacy.

The full McAuliffe memo is available after the jump.

(JENNIFER SKALKA)

Memo to Investors

To: Investors in Friends of Terry McAuliffe
From: Mike Henry, Campaign Manager
Re: First Fundraising Report
Date: January 12, 2009

Our first fundraising report is due to come out on January 15th. I wanted to get this memo to you a little early, to share the good news. Over a period of about six weeks, we raised nearly $1 million from Virginia voters and taxpayers.

As you know, about two months ago, after the presidential election and just before the holidays, Terry decided to explore the possibility of running for Governor. He traveled to every part of the Commonwealth, talking to voters, sharing his vision for Virginia’s future and listening to their ideas about where the state should be headed.

He also wanted to test the waters to see what kind of financial support there would be for his candidacy. So we have concentrated on raising money from Virginia donors to get a good sense of what Virginians thought about Terry’s potential candidacy.

We set a goal for that six-week period to raise half a million dollars in Virginia – and we’ve nearly doubled it.
This is great news and matches the enthusiasm Terry’s been seeing out on the road – the announcement tour has been a tremendous success. The response to Terry’s message about getting our economy moving again has been exceptionally strong. And the media response has been outstanding.

Virginians are ready for Terry to bring new energy and new jobs to the state, to get our economy back on track, so we can invest more in our schools and health care system again. Thanks to your support, we are off to a great start. And we’re just getting started.

Your willingness to invest in Terry – and in his vision for Virginia – is going to pay off for the Commonwealth in thousands of new jobs, a new standard for renewable energy, and excellence in our schools, our health care system, and our transportation network. Thanks again for your support, and we’re looking forward to a great campaign!