Virginia’s next Gubernatorial election is nearly two years away, but that isn’t stopping one Democrat from throwing his hat in the ring:
RICHMOND, Dec. 13 — State Sen. R. Creigh Deeds said Thursday that he will seek the Democratic nomination for Virginia governor in 2009, an unusually early announcement that sets the stage for a two-year campaign for the state’s top job.
In a video on his Web site, Deeds said he is the best candidate to carry on the legacy of the state’s current and former Democratic governors and will work “to create opportunity in every corner of Virginia.”
“Mark Warner and Tim Kaine have shown us there’s a better way,” said Deeds, 49, who represents the Charlottesville area. “That better way — an optimistic, common-sense approach to solving problems — is how I will lead Virginia forward if given the privilege to serve as your next governor.”
Deeds, a former prosecutor who often refers to himself as a country lawyer, lost the 2005 race for attorney general by 360 votes out of nearly 2 million cast. He is the first person to formally announce that he is running for governor.
Deeds is expected two be joined by at least two other Democrats — State Senator Brian Moran and former Congressman Lewis Payne, Jr. On the Republican side, it’s also expected to be a crowded field:
The Democratic nominee probably will face a strong Republican candidate. Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell Jr., who beat Deeds two years ago; George Allen, a former governor and U.S. senator; and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling have been mentioned as possible candidates.
McDonnell and Bolling have both done well for themselves in Richmond. Allen, though ? After losing a statewide election to Jim Webb, it seems hard to believe that he’d be able come back, but stranger things have happened.
And that, I hope, is my last post on the 2009 elections for, oh I don’t know, a year.
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December 14th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Don’t count on it, Doug.
December 14th, 2007 at 11:30 am
Doubt for Allen? I know the end of the ‘06 election was rough, but I think he could make a comeback. He is still pretty popular with many Republicans and conservatives; he just needs a stronger campaign and to hit back more effectively when the Democrats play their dirty tricks.
December 14th, 2007 at 11:32 am
Riley,
I am afraid you are most likely correct.
December 14th, 2007 at 11:33 am
CR,
I just wasn’t impressed by the campaign that Allen ran in `06 and I don’t think you should blame dirty tricks for what was really a badly run campaign