Sen. Creigh Deeds to run for governor in 2009

RICHMOND

State Sen. Creigh Deeds on Thursday became the first person to officially declare his candidacy for governor in 2009. Deeds, a Bath County Democrat, posted an online video to announce his candidacy. He promised to offer a “commonsense approach” to governing similar to that of Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and his predecessor, Democrat Mark Warner.

“I’ve spent my career as a consensus builder – a listener – someone who fights for your values,” he said. Deeds, 49, is a lawyer. He lost the 2005 election for attorney general to Republican Bob McDonnell by 323 votes out of more that 1.9 million cast.

Deeds was elected to the House of Delegates in 1991. He won a special election to the state Senate in 2001 following the death of Democrat Emily Couric.

In the General Assembly, Deeds has been active in environmental protection and advancing bills to shield children from abuse.

His announcement is posted on www.deedsforvirginia.com.

At least one other Democrat – Del. Brian Moran, D-Alexandria – is strongly considering a gubernatorial bid.

Several Republicans also are eying a run, including McDonnell, former governor and U.S. Sen. George Allen, and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.

Warren Fiske, (804) 697-1565, warren.fiske@pilotonline.com