VA GUBE: AFSCME Endorses McAuliffe
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the largest union in the AFL-CIO, endorsed Terry McAuliffe today for Virginia governor. In a release, AFSCME, which has more than 10,000 union and household members in Virginia, cited McAuliffe's "leadership, business experience and bold vision for Virginia." The group added that McAuliffe, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, "has been a longtime supporter of AFSCME's and working family issues."
"In these tough economic times, it is more critical than ever that we work to grow the economy," said AFSCME International President Gerald W. McEntee. "AFSCME members are on the front-line delivering Virginia's public services, and we can see all too clearly that Virginians' needs are greater than ever. Terry McAuliffe understands those needs. He will work to address rising unemployment head-on by creating new jobs and new opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. Not only do we support his vision of a stronger Virginia, we will be proud to work with him to make it happen."
McAuliffe is vying with two Virginia lawmakers -- former Del. Brian Moran and state Sen. Creigh Deeds -- for his party's nomination. Quarterly financial reports will be released in April, and McAuliffe, who has already aired television ads in critical pockets of the state, Hampton Roads and Richmond, is expected to far outraise his rivals.
But the true X factor in this contest is turnout in an off-year primary contest, the likes of which Virginians haven't seen for decades. Today's endorsement is no doubt a boost for McAuliffe, whom his rivals have tried to paint as an interloper in state politics. Big labor can help with a candidate's ground game. And the thinking in political circles is that higher turnout benefits McAuliffe, who is trying to draw new, younger voters into the process. If the majority of those who vote June 9 are members of the party faithful, the more familiar Deeds or Moran could break through.
The AFSCME endorsement, meanwhile, adds to a broader sense of momentum for McAuliffe, who won a recent annual political Northern Virginia straw poll by double digits.
"I am proud to have earned AFSCME's endorsement," McAuliffe said in a statement. "Every day, their members are working to serve the people of Virginia, and I will be honored to have them at my side. Together, we will work to create quality jobs and establish Virginia as a leader in the new economy."
(JENNIFER SKALKA)