Schweitzer For McAuliffe
MT Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) endorsed Terry McAuliffe today over his two Dem rivals in the race for VA governor, a move first reported by the Washington Post. The announcement comes just five days before the primary.
Why would Virginians be swayed by a Western governor? Well, they might not otherwise be moved -- except that Schweitzer is also chair of the DGA. And while a DGA spokeswoman said Schweitzer is backing McAuliffe as a personal friend, not in his capacity as head of the DGA, the announcement is unusual. For a committee chair to step into a tight and heated primary contest that each of the candidates could win seems risky. If state Sen. Creigh Deeds or Brian Moran, a former state delegate, prevails, what then? How will Schweitzer credibly back either of them?
"We're committed to making sure a Democrat holds on to the governorship in Virginia," said Emily DeRose, a DGA spokeswoman.
If Deeds or Moran had glaring weaknesses, the endorsement might make some sense. But Deeds almost defeated the GOP nom, Bob McDonnell, when the men faced off in the '05 state AG contest. He is surging in the polls, won the Washington Post's endorsement, is on television in Northern Virginia and has higher favorables than McAuliffe, according to recent polls. Moran, who served for 13 years in the House of Delegates, has his own strengths, including the fundraising ties and NoVA network built by his brother, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA).
Also, isn't Schweitzer handing the RGA a fall talking point if Deeds or Moran wins the primary? It might go something like this -- 'Hey, DGA, how does it feel to sink millions into the campaign of your second (or third) choice candidate?'
A call to Schweitzer has not yet been returned.
The RGA, meanwhile, issued a one-sentence statement about the endorsement:
"Who is Brian Schweitzer?"
Latte-seekers at the Corner Bakery in Arlington tomorrow morning might be wondering the same thing when they glimpse Schweitzer and McAuliffe stumping together.
(JENNIFER SKALKA)
"We're committed to making sure a Democrat holds on to the governorship in Virginia," said Emily DeRose, a DGA spokeswoman.
Then DGA should have waited until after the primary next week. What they're doing is making sure this particular Democrat wins the election.