Brian was in Staunton Sunday night talking to Democrats and getting people excited about upcoming elections.

Moran’s remarks focused on supporting Democratic candidates, a cause he said has been important to him in his role as caucus chairman. Soon, however, he, too, is expected to announce a candidacy. In January, Moran formed an exploratory committee to consider a possible bid for governor.

“Elections elect people who possess our principles and possess our values, and who will put them to work in the legislation,” Moran said to the crowd, stressing the need to elect Democrats.

Later, Moran said Democrats must reach out to Augusta County residents on issues that that they care about, such as health care and education.

“It’s important for us to promote issues that resonate in an area like Staunton and Augusta,” he said.

Brian also took the opportunity to note the great progress Virginia has made under Democratic Governors, and the importance of providing economic opportunity to all Virginians.

Moran, a Northern Virginia delegate, is expected to announce his candidacy for governor later this spring.

He said it is important for Democrats to continue to lead on the most important issues, such as education and transportation.

Moran told area Democrats that he is proud of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s battle to increase pre-K funding across Virginia.

“Science tells us the brain develops between age 0 to 5. We are making sure brains are stimulated the proper way,” he said. “That’s why he [Kaine] picked pre-K.”

Moran said a higher-education bond package is also crucial for Virginia’s future. The final numbers on that package will be agreed on soon by legislators.

“We must invest in our colleges and universities,” he said. “We are competing with India and China. This is a global environment. We must provide research, technology and science.”