NORFOLK
Five Hampton Roads mayors on Wednesday took the unusual step of coming together to endorse a candidate in next year's Democratic primary for governor.
Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria won the backing of the mayors of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Newport News and Hampton.
"The field is getting pretty crowded for the primary," Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim said. "I thought it was important I make known my support for Brian Moran early. I feel very strongly that Brian fits the mold as the successor to Mark Warner and Tim Kaine."
Newport News Mayor Joe Frank said he has high regard for Moran's leadership skills.
"Virginia needs a governor who has a record of dealing with tough problems," Frank said. "Brian Moran was a leader when we fixed the state budget's structural imbalance, and he knows how to get things done in Richmond."
Outgoing Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberndorf joined the news conference at Nauticus. Portsmouth Mayor James Holley and Hampton Mayor Molly Ward were unable to attend.
The mayors at the press conference said Moran understands the issues facing Hampton Roads because he comes from Northern Virginia, which faces similar problems. They also said he is committed to tackling challenges with the economy, transportation and education.
"With these men and women behind me, I think I'm going to win this," Moran said.
It was the fifth major endorsement during Moran's "Virginia Values Tour."
So far, three Democrats - Moran, Terry McAuliffe and state Sen. Creigh Deeds - and Republican Attorney General Bob McDonnell are 2009 gubernatorial candidates.
Debbie Messina, (757) 446-2588, debbie.messina@pilotonline.com
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Not McDonnell
He's the genius who approved jacking the people of Hampton Roads with all kinds of ridiculous regional "user fees" (Read: new taxes) but not calling them taxes and imposing them by an unelected body. Thankfully the VA Supreme Court shot that unconstitutional ploy down.
Raise the statewide gas tax a nickel and be done with it already! We need our roads fixed! Oh, that's right, the rural Republicans who hold the rest of the state hostage promised Bubba the tobacco farmer they'd only raise taxes on the sucker city folk.
Ignoring the totals
Five Hampton Roads mayors supported him; that leaves four who did not.
Yeaaaaah!
Boy! If Mayor Fraim and Madame Meyera endorsed Brian Moran for governor, what else is there to say? Gee! That's good enough for me!!! Who knows better than them two. Pardon my excitement at this news. I have to go and throw up now.
runmatt03
i luv you comment! crack me.
AND?
Just because 5 mayors like someone, doesn't mean that the someone is the best choice. Let's see who all runs, AND how they stand on the issues. I would LOVE to see someone run on the issues, instead of the mudslinging.
At least it's not Jim
At least it's not his brother Jim "income redistribution" Moran.
I'm confused
Has Mayor Holley ever seen a picture of this guy? This doesn't seem to go along with his dream of a "black hotel".
Of Course
Wow big news here, dems endorsing dems
I'll go ahead and tell you a few more endorsements, Warner, Kaine and Webb will probably endorse him as well along with Wilder and a few other high placed dems
Thanks pilot for reporting on this breaking and fascinating news story.
Reid-Greenmun
Instead of inappropriately criticizing the Pilot for reporting the story, you should actually read it.
Since there are 3 Democratic candidates for Governor, IT IS NEWS when several Mayors endorse one candidate over the other two.
“The field is getting pretty crowded for the primary,” Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim said. “I thought it was important I make known my support for Brian Moran early.
...Here's your sign
Talk About Politics!
I thought the city mayors were apolitical as to not have adversity in the city races! Ha!
What has Delagate Moran ever done for Hampton Roads?
How about waiting until all of the candidates are identified and find out what their positions are on the Hampton Roads 'needs' list instead of blindly endorsing a fellow democrat.
Give us all a break!
Gee - Dems support a Dem? Wow! Stop the presses!!!
The Pilot has got to be kiddiing? THIS is news? Some Dems support a Dem for Governor? Wow. Whodda thunk that would happen? What's next, Republicans support Bob McDonnell?
Moran from Northern Va
Moran from Northern VA? Isn't that nice. Has anyone told him that he would be representing the entire state, not just Northern Va.?
Make that 4
in about 2 weeks, that's an ex-mayor endorsing him. Dontcha just love all these "nonpartisan" mayors getting so partisan?
Too early to tell
I certainly wouldn't take McDonnell's victory for granted. He's a savvy player. But the recent presidential election shows us that his traditional base of conservative voters in Hampton Roads is far more fragmented than it it used to be. To appease them and and the even more conservative Republicans who voted for Jim Gilmore, but also get the numbers he'll need to carry the election, he's going to have to walk a very fine and precarious line. The democratic candidate, on the other hand, is going to have the legacy of two popular and successful democratic predecessors, plus the momentum of a new, dynamic Democratic presidential administration.
We are Democratic...but not that far left
Moran is a good guy, and if he gets the nomination, I will support him, but I doubt he would beat Bob McDonell. The Democrats best bet is Creigh Deeds