McAuliffe inches closer to VA Gov bid

Posted: Monday, November 10, 2008 1:33 PM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Democrats

From NBC's Mark Murray and Patricia Martell

The AP reports, "Former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe signed papers Monday signaling a possible run for governor next year in Virginia. McAuliffe told The Associated Press he set up a campaign committee and will tour Virginia for the next 60 days before making his candidacy certain."

McAuliffe adviser Mo Elleithee tells First Read that McAuliffe will make his decision official on January 7. "Terry is very seriously considering a run, and is going to take the next 60 days to travel around the state and talk to Virginians, and will make a decision on January 7. He wants to not only share his vision for Virginia, but more importantly hear what they're thinking. He knows not every good decision comes from Richmond, and is looking forward to hearing from Virginians as he explores a run."

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Comments

Remember I'm a raging liberal - so I say this with True love and respect. Terry McAuliffe has no business holding non-partisan office. He is abrasive, vitriolic and I blame him in large part for Hillary's refusal to accept the hand writing on the proverbial wall - that she lost the primary. He just kept it up and kept it up and basically showed the pitbull tenacity without the reality check filter. It was not a pretty combination.

Of course, that makes me speculate about where Obama intends to use Tim Kaine in his cabinet/administration - since Terry would be taking him on, right?

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:41 PM)

I see Drudge pulled down the link to First Read. FR just got too bizarre, even for Drudge.

Dridge, MA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:43 PM)

That will be a switch for Terry to be a politician instead of one's mouthpiece. I guess he'll save time and money being his own mouthpiece and pundit. Still he'll be far better than anyonme the repugnant ones could run against him.

"Eric: Spelling error. That's should be "Me". Voting yourself a raise puts you in that group."
Paul M., Virginia

Hey Paul when you accuse someone of a spelling error you shouldn't start off your clueless projection rant with a spelling error. "That's" should be "That" so try a remedial English class!

"Eric, you are representative of EVERYTHING wrong with this country"
Scott, Louisville, Co

Hey Scott it's been your clueless crowd that has screwed up our country and economy for 8 years so you are the one who is representative of everything wrong with our country. Glad to know my comments are getting to you!

Yes We Did!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:43 PM)

Hard to imagine this buffoon doing anything more than helping his book sales with this stunt. What? He's going to run to the RIGHT of Tim Kaine? Please. Always been a toadie for the DIXICRAT (Read: GOP) wing of the party...more evidence of that. Say goodbye, Terry. You ruined the party once while doing the Clinton's bidding. Now you can't hurt it anymore. Go back to doing what you do best: Caddying for Bubba. "Could I have a fairway wood, please...."

JEFF, midwest (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:45 PM)

Who were all those liberals whining (a constant, I know) this AM about the Republicans already running for the next election? Now another failed Clinton leftover is out there running. If you have money, get used to not having it I guess.

GR Tullman, IN (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:45 PM)

"I see Drudge pulled down the link to First Read. FR just got too bizarre, even for Drudge." --Dridge, MA

or vice versa

Sludge (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:46 PM)

That's a good sign for Virginia - first, they go blue for Obama, and now McAuliffe wants the governor spot. It makes me proud to be a Democrat! Go Obama! Go Virginia! I want to kiss Joe Biden on the lips!

Unquestionably Full Moon ?????? <><><><> ?????? <><><> (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:47 PM)

Is McAuliffe a Virginian? I don't live there anymore, but I used to and much of my family is still there and involved in Democratic politics in the state. I can't say I've ever been impressed with Terry McAuliffe. He wasn't a particularly good DNC head. He hated the 50 state strategy. He's a DLC Democrat and a Clinton homer. I don't know. I'm certainly not sold on him as being any good. Virginia has had some great Democrats. I'm concerned that McAuliffe is more of a washed-up party hack.

Susan L., Redmond, WA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:47 PM)

McAuliffe probably thinks seeing an idiot comedian like Franken almost win, why can't an idiot comedian like himself win?

Sundancer, CA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:47 PM)

Love this idea! McAuliffe is one of THE most entertaining politico in the US. Virginians will never be bored with him as governor. He's also well connected with many players in the Obama administration which probably gives his state an advantage.

One other thing...
I notice there are a few bitter Republicans on FR and they all seem to want to take their shots at Obama For what? Kicking your collective asses?
Unless you want the GOP to remain in the political wilderness, perhaps your energies might be better applied to fixing the pathetic state of your own party and the current mess ALL Americans own. Now's the time to be positive, proactive and patriotic. The election is over. Stop whining.

Ian (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:48 PM)

I don't know how much more McAuliffe I can take.

Although, it was VERY interesting to see him drinking Puerto Rican rum on the Morning Joe set....

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:48 PM)

"It's amazing how the media were so blind to endorse a man that had no political record, was as socialist as they come, had no experience, and is still a complete unknown. In fact, I don't think Obama even knows who he is because the media built him up to be what they wanted him to be. Barack is nothing but a fabrication build up by the media, almost a parody of what the media believes to be the 'perfect' candidate.

Palin on the hand as a list of accomplishments, she is appealing to a lot of people, we know where she stands on all the issues, but yet the media works day in and day out to destroy her. Quite a bit of bias there don't you think?
Average White Guy (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:10 PM)"
WRONG ON ALL COUNTS -- EVEN YOUR NAME. YOU'RE NOT THE AVERAGE WHITE GUY. THE AVERAGE WHITE GUY VOTED FOR OBAMA. IT'S WAS WHITE FOLKS THAT PUT HIM OVER THE TOP!
maverick.reform.maverick.also.there.too.maverick.reform.

Kathy, CharlotteNOTTHEPUMAKATHY,CHARLOTTE (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:50 PM)

I like the way Virginia has been voting and the quality of the Democratic candidates. If it ain't broke it doesn't need fixin'

nuanced (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:50 PM)

I wish him luck if this is the path he wishes!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:51 PM)

I find it so hilarious that the repugnant ones are accusing us Liberals of hating women. Us Liberals selected the first woman VP candidate and the first woman to lead the House of Representatives. We don't hate women as we do not trash Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, two moderate republican women with brains.

We just detest women like "Sinner" Sarah, "Hate Monger" Bachman and "godawful" Dole who do not exhibit any brains whatsoever. They're just Stepford Wives who say anything their male masters tell them to say.

Go McAuliffe 2012!
Yes We Did!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:52 PM)

Thinking Liberal (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:53 PM)

Virginia can do better...

Eloise, Clearwater, FL (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:55 PM)

I live in Virginia and favor Democrats, even Moderates. Who in Va. is going to vote for him? Va is NOT liberal enough to vote for him. Not even Northern Va. Mark Warner nor Tim Kaine were THAT liberal. He shouldn't waste his time in Va.

Shel, Norfolk, VA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:58 PM)

He would not be running against Kaine. VA law states that the governor cannot hold consecutive terms. The governor's race is open seat every time. You can serve twice, but not consecutively.

Matt, OKC, OK (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:59 PM)

Is it possible that I just saw Pam??? It has been a long road hasn't it? But we won.

WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just saw that Keith Olbermann has signed on for another 4 years with MSNBC. Nothing but good news lately. It feels so good.

In 2003, I was surrounded at work by rude arrogant NYY fans and a whole department full of right wing christian fruitcakes.

In 2008, everything has changed. A few World Series wins, a democrat in the White House, I moved to another floor.

Everyone keeps telling me how much I've been smiling lately. Make it a bigger smile now that I see you.
_____________
Clara, I never thought about losing both Senators Kerry & Kennedy. Both made me very proud in 2008.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:03 PM)

If McAuliffe runs his own campaign as poorly as he did Hillary's, we won't have to worry about HIM winning anything either. He's a joke.

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:04 PM)

I live in Virginia and happily voted for Barack Obama, Mark Warner, and Glenn Nye for congress..There's no way I can vote for this guy. Good thing we are transferring next year!! Gilmore..Kaine..and McCauliffe..yikes

Kim W Virginia Beach, VA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:06 PM)

Terry McCAuliffe represents divisiveness in the Democratic party and we want no part of it-differing reasonable minds is fine, but he needs to sit out and learn how to be a good Democrat (we'll let him back in the sandbox after doing his time-out). Virginia did it's job in putting America in to the hands of those who deserve to govern. McCauliffe does not!

Obama/Biden 09-16

Sheila from Texas (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:12 PM)

Waste of your time and money Terry. You blew any chance you might have had during the democratic campaign.

Ann in Virginia (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:12 PM)

Isn't it really strange that after all this "Change" Obama talked about that the only "Change" we're getting is Clinton reruns? Of course McAuliffe is off the Obama reservation, but as far as the list of people Obama is appointing to his staff, why didn't we just elect Hillary and be done with it? Even the staunchest left wing liberal has to take pause as to what is going on in Obamaland.
Thinking Liberal (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:53 PM)

Barack Obama is putting together a team of the most qualified and diverse people and that DOES include people from former President Clinton's administration!!

Get over it!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:13 PM)

If McAuliffe runs his own campaign as poorly as he did Hillary's, we won't have to worry about HIM winning anything either. He's a joke.
Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:04 PM)

Mark Penn ran Hillary Clinton's campaign; sheesh; I thought the Hillary bashing would have stopped by now!! Oh well, SOME of us united; as a supporter of Hillary Clinton during the primaries, I proudly cast my vote for Barack Obama. It's a shame some just refuse to let go of the primaries and enjoy this wonderful time in our country's history!!

Go President-Elect Barack Obama!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:22 PM)

McAuliffe's lax, old school crony politics left the Democrats in the political wilderness throughout his tenure as DNC chair. He was a horrible, spineless spokesman for the party and will easily be defeated by the GOP if he wins the Dem nomination. Virginia Democrats had better find a suitable primary challenger.

NJGuy1 (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:29 PM)

Now's the time to be positive, proactive and patriotic. The election is over. Stop whining.
Ian (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 1:48 PM)

Some sure do sound like a bunch of bitter whiners!! And here I thought my Party was the chardonnay-drinking, liberal, elitist, bitter whiners - LOL!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:30 PM)

I do believe Sen. Kerry should remain in the Senate; however, I also know that MA would not elect a republican to replace him should President-elect Obama give him a Cabinet position.

Pat, it's SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO wonderful to read your posts; I've missed you but took a break from MSNBC and, actually, haven't returned to watching anything on MSNBC. But I am so thrilled to see you here. It's a great time and I'm so proud of the country!!

Pam Bignardi, San Pedro, California (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:32 PM)

This CARPETBAGGER is gonna be in for a big surprise! He may be the only Democrat less popular in Virginia than the rajin cajun!

Bob from VA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:48 PM)

wasn't this guy the ridiculous "Baghdad Bob" mouthpiece of the failed Clinton '08 campaign???

I don't want him anywhere near the controls of a state I love!!!!

Hokie Dem (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 2:49 PM)

Seeing Terry as Governor of VA would be Way Cool ! He's paid his dues, Now it's his turn to shine !

Dale, Baltimore, MD (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 3:09 PM)

As another VA Dem activist who is proud of what this commonwealth has done over the past decade, McAuliffe is NOT the change we need. We can do better.

Gretchen, Fairfax, VA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 3:18 PM)

Republicans have been pick pocketing America for too many years. Even a DNC campaign manager would be better choice for gonvernor than a career rip off Republican hack.

hhkeller (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 3:20 PM)

I think Terry is great and all but I find it hard to imagine him in such a position.

chrisJ (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 3:22 PM)

Govenors in VA. can not have multiple terms so Tim Kaine will not be running against him. While the state is supporting Dems. more they do not vote for liberals. With his history and lack of experience I can't see how he could win.

Charlie S. Norfolk,VA (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 3:25 PM)

I voted Republican most of my adult life, but switched to Obama for obvious reasons. If McAuliffe runs for Governor here in VA.....it is back to the GOP. He is SO extremely partisan, loud, and not a good strategist....which is what we do not need.

C.Myles/Atlantic, VA. (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 3:26 PM)

I'd support him only if Howard Dean asked me to. If he can forgive him then I guess I could too.

nuanced (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 3:31 PM)

The retro-gressives still think they are on the "right track".The GOP will never recover as long as these guys are running things.
Cheney's bunker is unoccupied,maybe they can have their next meeting there.

John T (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 3:33 PM)

McAuliffe won't make it through the primaries, at least if the Democratic party is smart. When I read this article, I thought you have to be joking. Maybe you could get away with this in a solid blue state like California, or New York, but not in Virginia. Virginia is a purple state at best. His actions during the Democratic primary tell me all you need to know about how a Governor McAuliffe would act while in office. What exactly qualifies him to be Governor except his stint at the DNC and Hillary's Campaign? He thinks that running 3 terrible campaigns in 88' 04' and 08', makes one qualified to be Governor. I hope Virginians take a good look at the record.

Eli in Ohio (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 3:38 PM)

I live in Virginia, If he becomes gov of this state I'm moving. Kaine has done enough damage here. I was hoping Obama would give Kaine a position to get him out of the state but now I think moving is just the best idea.

David, Virginia (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 4:20 PM)

I don't understand. Can Tim Kaine not run again? Or is he challenging a sitting Democrat?

jh (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 4:21 PM)

THANKS GUYS, KENTUCKY LOVES YOU MSNBC!
April Hubbard, Bimble, Kentucky

April needs to learn to read, write and spell. Don't put it in print, if your brain's full of lint sister. You make Sarah Palin look Smart!

Kathy, Charlotte (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 4:22 PM)

McAuliffe is not qualified to be Governor of any state. He is a party "yes man," and he would be a real joke for Virginia. His record is not impressive, and his history of making poor political decisions would not be good for Virginia. Stay home Terry!

Rock,Janesville,Wisconsin (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 4:22 PM)

Speaking as a Virginian I can tell you he has NO CHANCE. This is probably a political stunt to stay relevant after backing to wrong team. The Clintons lost a majority of their power over the past few months and they took most of their gang with them.

Richmonder (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 4:34 PM)

Upon hearing that Terry McAuliffe had filed to run for Governor of Virginia, Joe
Scarborough, former GOP Rep and Host of MSNBC's Morning Joe, praised McAuliffe saying:

"Terry McAuliffe is a good decent steady man who don't go flipping people off and
screaming 'f*ck you' at the top of their lungs!"

;)

JoeCHI, Chicago, IL (Sent Monday, November 10, 2008 4:40 PM)

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