Thursday Brian picked up the endorsements of five Hampton Roads mayors - the chief executives of Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. Collectively, these Democratic mayors represent over 1 million Virginians. From The Virginian-Pilot:

"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.

See more coverage at WVEC-TV, the Washington Post, and the Vivian Page blog.

Yesterday, local Democratic leaders and officials in Martinsville endorsed Brian Moran for Governor during an event at Jefferson Plaza. They highlighted his commitment to rural economic development, support of the New College Institute in Martinsville, and plans to re-energize Virginia’s economy. The endorsers also cited Moran’s ability to win all over Virginia – including rural Virginia. Yesterday Moran laid out his vision for Virginia agriculture in a speech to the Farm Bureau Annual Convention.

Moran received the support of Delegate Ward L. Armstrong, House Minority Leader, Sheriff Steven Draper, President of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association, and Martinsville Democratic Committee Chair Lorene Martin.

From the Martinsville Bulletin report:

“While the decision on who to support may be tough for some, “to me the choice is very clear,” Armstrong said. He recalled one of Moran’s many visits to the area following the closing of Tultex Corp., when the local unemployment rate “shot to 19 percent” overnight “and this community was thrown into turmoil.”

Moran attended a community meeting with displaced workers here on a Saturday “when he could have been at home” with his family, Armstrong said.

“Since then, he has been a frequent visitor” to the area, along with former governor and now Sen.-elect Mark Warner and Gov. Tim Kaine, Armstrong said, adding that Moran knows the area well and understands local residents’ concerns.

Moran “has worked for Democrats all over Virginia, and now we’re ready to go to work for him,” Martin said.

Draper was unable to attend the event. In a prepared statement, he touted Moran’s “strong record in support of public safety and first responders. I’m proud to support this former prosecutor.”

Moran responded that he was “honored to have the support of these community leaders.”

“Virginia has chosen Democrats to lead” in what have been turbulent times since Warner was elected governor in 2001. “I plan on being a champion of rural Virginia” just as Warner was, Moran said.

Partly due to his upbringing, Moran said he identifies with the values of “hardworking men and women” in Henry County, Martinsville and across the state.

After joining the work force bagging groceries when he was 14 years old, Moran said he went on to work in construction, tended bar and worked “the midnight shift” as a gas station attendant while putting himself through college and law school.

From the urban corridor to Southside, Moran said Virginia is filled with diversity, but “it’s clear we’re more alike than different” and share similar concerns on education, transportation, economic development, energy efficiency and other areas, he said.

Moran has two children, and both attend public schools. Not just for his children, but for those across Virginia, Moran said he will continue working to ensure Virginia’s schools are among the top in the world, thereby “giving kids a chance to succeed” through a challenging curriculum in top quality schools.”