Brian Moran - Moran Memo

Brian Picking Up Support in Hampton Roads

2008-12-19T17:20:00Z

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.

Former Congressman L. F. Payne Backs Brian Moran

2008-12-10T20:13:00Z

Payne Chaired Mark Warner’s Campaign in 2001
Joined by Charlottesville Business leader Susan Payne

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Today L. F. Payne, the former Congressman from Virginia’s 5th district and former chairman of Mark Warner’s successful 2001 gubernatorial campaign announced his endorsement of Delegate Brian Moran for Governor in 2009. L. F. Payne was joined by his wife, Susan, a prominent small business owner in Charlottesville, in making today’s endorsement. Payne cited Moran’s proven record of leadership in Virginia, his commitment to economic competitiveness, and record of results in partnership with Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.

This is the fourth major endorsement during Moran’s “Virginia Values Tour” which included major endorsements in Martinsville last week.

“Brian Moran has a proven record of fighting for Virginia families,” L. F. Payne said. “He has a two-decade long record of public service to Virginians and was a chief partner of Mark Warner and now of Tim Kaine.”

Payne is the former Congressman from the 5th Congressional District which includes Charlottesville, Virginia, and was Chairman of Mark Warner’s gubernatorial campaign in 2001. He is currently the President of McGuireWoods Consulting. He is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and former officer of the U.S. Army. He also holds an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia and currently serves on the University of Virginia Board of Visitors.

Susan Payne is a partner at Payne Ross and Associates, a Charlottesville based marketing agency and has been recognized by the Charlottesville Chamber of Commerce as Small Business Person of the Year. Susan is a member of the Virginia Tourism Commission and other non-profit groups as well.

“I am proud and honored to have L. F.’s and Susan’s support,” Moran said. “L. F. knows Virginia and knows what we need to move forward. I stood with him when we elected Mark Warner, and now I’m proud to have him standing with me.”

In 2001, Mark Warner was elected Governor and Brian Moran was chosen to chair the House Democratic Caucus. Under his leadership, Democrats have picked up more seats than at any point in a generation and are within striking distance of the majority.

Ward Armstrong on Endorsing Brian

2008-12-08T01:05:00Z

Brian Picks Up Endorsements in Martinsville

2008-12-05T15:45:00Z

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.”

Also read the full press release and also see the coverage from ABC News Roanoke, the Danville Register and Bee, the Washington Post, and What is Right for Virginia.

Brian Moran Lays out Vision on Agriculture

2008-12-03T17:58:00Z

Speech is fourth in a series on future challenges
Leadership needed to protect farms and grow agricultural economy

HOT SPRINGS – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran, a candidate for Governor, outlined his approach to agricultural policy in a speech today at the Virginia Farm Bureau’s annual convention. Moran highlighted his commitment to local agricultural production, agriculture research, global marketing of Virginia farm products, and energy-generating crops.

The speech was the fourth in a series of remarks in which Moran has outlined his experience, values and vision for the difficult challenges facing Virginia’s future. He has previously outlined his approaches to fiscal responsibility, environmental leadership and public safety.

“Virginia has the chance to lead the way toward a new energy future,” Moran said. “Biofuel crops are the equivalent of being able to grow fuel – to create a renewable resource that drives the 21st century economy in the same way that tobacco and other crops drove our economy in centuries past.”

Moran noted that Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industry is the single largest industry in Virginia, employing one out of every 10 Virginia workers and creating $79 billion in annual economic activity. “This is a success story that more Virginians need to know,” he said.

“We ought to be looking at ways to increase our opportunities to sell agriculture at home as well, with a better emphasis on buying local,” Moran said. “We’ve spent so much time figuring out how to get Virginia produce to market on the other side of the country that sometimes we forget that it’s easier to sell it on the other side of the county.”

The theme of this year’s conference is “Safe, Fresh and Locally Grown.”

Download the complete text of his remarks (pdf).

Democratic Party Leaders Support Brian

2008-11-20T22:55:00Z

Here's a note from Mame Reiley

Imagine what it would mean if - this early in the campaign - a majority of the Virginia Democratic Party's top leadership endorsed a candidate for Governor.

Today, that happened when most of the members of the party's Steering Committee* endorsed Brian Moran for Governor. Read all about it.

Brian told me that he's "humbled by the strong support of some of Virginia's most prominent Democratic leaders."

Their support of Brian makes a lot of sense since he's been working with these individuals over the course of his 20 years in public service - winning elections with them, building bipartisan coalitions with them, and helping build a stronger Virginia for the next generation with them.

You probably remember that last week Brian received the support of the overwhelming majority of local elected Democrats in Loudoun County. They said Brian had the best shot to win critical swing counties in Virginia.

Today's endorsers said they are stepping up to support Brian because of his long record of service to the party and the fact that he's consistently led Democrats to victory all across the Commonwealth. They saw him work with Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, and they know he's the person to do the job next.

Del. Brian J. Moran is poised to collect endorsements for governor from the highest echelons of the state Democratic Party, while presumed rival Terry McAuliffe is being backed by one of Virginia's biggest political check-writers.

Moran today is scheduled to announce the support of nearly two-thirds of the Democratic Party's steering committee. Made up of district chairs and other senior Democrats, the committee largely governs the state party.

-Richmond Times Dispatch

This is a clear sign that Democratic leaders in Virginia want Brian to be our next Governor. I'm a member of that leadership, and I know he's the right guy for the job.

Read the response at the Washington Post, Richmond Times-Dispatch, and the Vivian Page blog.

State Dem Leaders Endorse Moran for Governor

2008-11-20T15:50:00Z

Majority of DPVA governing committee members endorse Brian Moran
Seven year record of statewide Democratic leadership cited

ALEXANDRIA – Today, Brian Moran’s campaign for Governor announced the endorsement of a majority of the party leaders who sit on the Virginia Democratic Party’s Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is the party’s policy-making and governing body. Last week, Delegate Moran received the support of the overwhelming majority of local elected Democrats in Loudoun County.

“I am humbled by the strong support of some of Virginia’s most prominent Democratic leaders,” Delegate Moran said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with these individuals over the course of my 20 years of public service – winning elections with them, building bipartisan coalitions with them, and helping build a stronger Virginia for the next generation with them.”

Democratic leaders cited Moran’s long record of fighting for the people of Virginia as a prosecutor, legislator and Democratic leader as the reason for their endorsements. Delegate Moran worked with these party leaders as he led candidates all over Virginia to victory, winning more seats in the House of Delegates than at any point in a generation. Under his leadership, Democrats have won in traditionally Republican areas such as Loudoun, Lynchburg and Virginia Beach.

Note: These party leaders make their endorsements as individuals. Their titles are provided for reference and to demonstrate their stature in the Party, not to imply the support of the group(s) of which they are members or leaders.

Party leaders announcing their support:

Pixie Bell, Secretary
George Burke, 11th District Chair
Sandra Brandt, 2nd District Chair
Marjorie Clark, 7th District Chair
Audrey Collins, 4th District Chair
Hon. Kerry Donley, Immediate Past Chair
Abbi Easter, Treasurer
Rich Galecki, 10th District Chair
Margo Horner, 8th District Chair
Frank Leone, Jr., DNC Member
Gene Magruder, Chair of the Va. Association of Democratic Chairs
Suzette Matthews, 1st District Chair
Evelyn Morris-Harris, Chair of the Democratic Black Caucus of Va.
Mame Reiley, DNC Member
Rachel Rifkind, Chair of the Women’s Caucus
Hon. Lionell Spruill, DNC Member
Hon. Justin Wilson, Vice Chair for Technology and Communications

Several members of the Steering Committee have expressed their intention to stay neutral until the primary is concluded.

<u>Supporting Comments</u>

“It’s time for Democrats to unite behind the candidate who can win in November and govern come January, 2010. Delegate Moran’s support among Democratic leaders is a testament to his record of success and his vision for the future. As the House Democratic Caucus Chairman, he campaigned tirelessly for Democrats in every region of the Commonwealth, winning seats no one thought were within reach. I encourage my fellow Democrats to join me in supporting Brian Moran for Governor.”
- Suzette Matthews, 1st District Democratic Chair

“As a Democratic party leader, I’ve had the honor of supporting Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. I know that Brian Moran is the right candidate to carry on their work and take Virginia into the future. He was their partner when they made Virginia the best-managed state in the nation and the best state for a child’s lifetime success, and I know he will continue their brand of leadership.”
- Hon. Justin Wilson, Vice Chair for Technology and Communications

"Brian Moran would govern in the new Democratic tradition of Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Jim Webb, and Barack Obama. Brian has a two-decade record of public service and a vision of Virginia’s future. From winning campaigns and supporting Barack Obama, to standing up to Republicans and holding firm to our values, Brian Moran has demonstrated that he is the right person for the job.”
- Marjorie Clark, 7th District Democratic Chair

Overwhelming Majority of Loudoun Dem Elected Officials Endorse Brian Moran

2008-11-13T21:28:00Z

Loudoun has been Virginia’s bellwether county for 4 cycles

Moran understands suburban voters’ concerns

LEESBURG - Today, in an unprecedented show of support at the Old Loudoun County Court House, an overwhelming majority of Loudoun County’s Democratic elected officials endorsed Brian Moran for Governor. Loudoun officials cited Delegate Moran’s ability to win the County, a critical exurban bellwether, as a key reason for their support. They also highlighted his work with Governors Warner and Kaine, understanding of suburban communities, and vision for Virginia’s future as the reasons for their endorsements.

The endorsers represent 2/3 of Democrats in Loudoun County local government. Endorsing were: Every Democrat in the Houses of Delegates from Loudoun, most of the Democrats on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, the Mayor of Leesburg, members of the Leesburg Town Council and the Loudoun School Board.

No Democrat has been elected statewide in Virginia since 2001 without winning Loudoun County. Loudoun voters supported Democrats Obama and Warner in 2008, Webb in 2006 and Kaine in 2005. But Loudoun voted for Republican Bob McDonnell over Creigh Deeds the same year. In the 2008 primary campaign, they supported Obama over Clinton by 20%.

“It is an honor to receive the support of so many of Virginia’s leaders. Here in Loudoun, Democrats know what it takes to win – a Virginia leader with a record of winning races and partnering with Mark Warner and Tim Kaine,” Moran said. “Virginians are looking for a Governor who understands what these tough economic times mean to families and who has a vision for Virginia’s future.”

Endorsing Delegate Brian Moran were:

Delegates David Poisson (D-32) and Chuck Caputo (D-67)

Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair Susan Klimek Buckley (Sugarland Run)

Supervisors Kelly Burk (Leesburg) and Stevens Miller (Dulles)

School Board Vice-Chair John Stevens and member Priscilla Godfrey

Leesburg Mayor Kristen Umstattd

Councilmembers Marty Martinez and David Butler

STATEMENTS OF SUPPORT

Delegate David Poisson (D-33)
“The next Governor must be someone who has the vision and values to face our challenges head on. We need a leader who will continue the work Tim Kaine and Mark Warner began during their terms in office and who recognizes that for all their impressive achievements – and there have been many – we still have much to do. Most importantly, our next Governor must share our values and be willing to fight for the right of all Virginians to fulfill their God-given potential. That’s why I’m supporting my good friend, Brian Moran, for Governor.”

Susan Klimek Buckley, Vice Chair of the Loudoun Board of Supervisors
"Tough times lie ahead for Virginia, and we need someone like Brian Moran to lead us through these difficult years. As Delegate of the 46th District and as House Democratic Caucus Chair, Brian has a record of success in all areas that matter most to Virginians and improve our quality of life: education, transportation, environment, healthcare, economic development and technology, just to name a few. He knows how to get things done. His proven leadership and commitment to building a better Virginia will make him an effective Governor for the Commonwealth. I'm enthusiastically supporting Brian to be Virginia's next governor.”

Kelly Burk, Loudoun Board of Supervisors Member
“Loudoun is the key to victory in Virginia and Loudoun Democrats know Brian Moran can win here. We have to make sure that the democratic nominee can win decisively in Northern Virginia and the suburbs. That’s what it takes to win like Barack Obama, Tim Kaine, and Jim Webb. And no one else understands what’s going on here like he does, especially when it comes to the economy.”

Stevens Miller, Loudoun Board of Supervisors Member, former Loudoun County Economic Development Commission member
“This decade, more than any other, Virginia has delivered its support for the leaders that we need. Barack Obama, Mark Warner, and Tim Kaine were the favored choices of the Commonwealth. Next year, I hope Virginia will deliver again for Brian Moran, because we need more of the superb executive skills that governors Warner and Kaine have given to our state. Brian knows that northern Virginia is the engine that powers the economy of the Commonwealth. I'm backing him for governor because I know he'll fight to keep our region strong, so we can help keep all of Virginia strong. Brian knows that we are one Virginia. He'll lead the state brilliantly and fairly for everyone, with intelligence, experience, wisdom, and the rare ability to foster real cooperation. I look forward to supporting him now, in November, and for four years after that. ”

John Stevens, Vice Chairman of the Loudoun County School Board
“I support Brian Moran in his campaign to be Virginia's next Governor because Brian understands how important education is to Virginians and to Virginia's success. Brian's record of support for Virginia's public schools shows his commitment to Virginia's educational excellence. Brian knows that 21st Century Education begins with preschool and continues beyond the classroom, into the workforce and the laboratory. Virginia needs a 21st Century Plan for Economic Competitiveness to create globally competitive jobs and Virginians ready to excel in them. I know that Brian will carry his commitment to education from the legislature to the Governorship and ensure a brighter future for all Virginians, and that makes me very pleased to endorse Brian Moran for Governor.”

Priscilla Godfrey, Member of the Loudoun County School Board
“Brian Moran is the future of Virginia's Democratic party. He's from Northern Virginia, where we live and work. He's got his eye on the competitiveness challenges of the 21st century and how that will affect not only his two young children but all our school children in the state. He knows we can't compete globally without investing in top quality schools right here at home in Virginia."

Kristen Umstattd, Mayor of Leesburg, member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, former Lieutenant in the US Naval Reserve
"It has been my honor to have known Delegate Brian Moran for close to a decade. I consider him a personal friend, a thoughtful leader, and a passionate advocate for bipartisan solutions in the Commonwealth on the key issues facing us today: the economy, transportation, education and the environment. I am pleased to offer my enthusiastic support to Delegate Moran."

Marty Martinez, Leesburg Town Council Member
"Not only does Brian Moran understand where Virginia is going, Brian is a leader who is in tune to the changes we have endured and the changes needed to continue to keep Virginia the best state to live in. I'm excited to see Brian take a leadership role on issues that matter to the future of Loudoun like solutions to transportation, health care and our environment."

David Butler, Leesburg Town Council Member
“Brian Moran understands where Virginia is going. So much has changed here in recent years and we need a leader who gets that. I'm glad to see Brian take a leadership role on issues that matter to the future of Loudoun like 21st century solutions to our transportation crisis."

Protecting the Vote

2008-11-04T17:38:00Z

Here's a video of Brian on election day in Hampton Roads talking about the election and what he's doing to protect the vote:

Moran Joins Voter Protection Team in Hampton Roads

2008-11-04T00:24:00Z

PORTSMOUTH – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran, a candidate for Governor, will join local voter protection efforts in Portsmouth on Election Day 2008. He will join Hampton Roads lawyers at polling places beginning at 6 a.m. on November 4. Moran, a lawyer and former prosecutor, will visit three Portsmouth polling locations to offer legal assistance to voters. Just last week, fliers were distributed in this region falsely urging Democrats to vote on November 5.

“With the tactics of fear, intimidation and misinformation employed by those who want to stop Virginians from going to the polls on Election Day, I can’t think of a more important role to play than providing voter protection on Election Day,” Delegate Moran said. “I will spend election day making sure every vote is counted.”

On Friday, Delegate Moran contacted both Democrats and Republicans in the General Assembly and urged them to contact their constituents and make sure all Virginia voters had the necessary information for this Election Day.

The Final Push

2008-11-03T21:43:00Z

Brian joined Northern Virginia Labor leaders to kick off the final canvass of the 2008 campaign on Saturday morning in Annandale. He spoke to the hundreds of volunteers about Barack Obama’s commitment to the middle class and to fighting for working Virginians.

You can see more pictures of the kickoff on Brian's Flickr album.

The Petersburg Progress-Index has a report on Brian's Monday campaign stop in Petersburg:

Moran has been campaigning for Obama for months. Last week, he launched a bipartisan effort in the General Assembly and urged both Democrats and Republicans to contact their constituents and make sure that all Virginia voters had the necessary information for Election Day.

Today, Moran — a lawyer and former prosecutor — will join Hampton Roads lawyers to visit various polling places to offer legal assistance to voters. In recent weeks, many households in Hampton received fliers falsely urging Democrats to vote on Wednesday instead of Tuesday.

“With the tactics of fear, intimidation and misinformation employed by those who want to stop Virginians from going to the polls on Election Day, I can’t think of a more important role to play than providing voter protection tomorrow,” Moran said yesterday. “I will spend the day making sure that every vote is counted.”

Brian Moran Talks Obama, Virginia on MSNBC

2008-10-31T18:00:00Z

Brian Moran appeared on MSNBC on October 30 to discuss Barack Obama and the battleground state of Virginia. Here's the video:

Protecting the Vote

2008-10-31T17:57:00Z

The Obama campaign has a comprehensive vote resources center online at Vote for Change. Click through to find your polling place, report a problem with voting in your area, find local voting information, or, if you're a lawyer, how to volunteer for Voter Protection.

There Is No "Fake" Virginia

2008-10-23T14:48:00Z

Brian answers the Republican claims to have the support of "real Virginia" in the Alexandria Gazette-Packet:

Gubernatorial hopeful Brian Moran lashed out at the presidential campaign of Arizona Republican John McCain this week, criticizing a spokeswoman for the campaign of using "divisive tactics" and "Karl Rove politics." Moran’s comments came in response to a Oct. 18 appearance on MSNBC by McCain spokeswoman Nancy Pfotenhauer, who argued that Democrats from the District have moved into Northern Virginia and skewed the election returns in the region.
...
"Barack Obama once said that there was no red America or blue America — there is the United States of America," Moran told students in the newly completed science-and-technology wing of the Bisdorf Building. "And I say there is not real Virginia or fake Virginia — there is only the commonwealth of Virginia."

SINCE JANUARY, Moran noted, Virginia has added 436,000 new voters. According to officials with Virginia State Board of Elections, this is the largest surge in voter registration that the commonwealth has ever experienced. Moran predicted that the surge in voter registration would benefit Democrats, with nearly 40 percent of the newly registered voters under the age of 25. Students who came to the Bisdorf Building Monday night to hear Moran were enthusiastic about the potential for young voters finally becoming an important force in American politics.

The What IS Right For Virginia? blog picked up on the story.

Brian Recognized as "Star of the South"

2008-10-17T17:20:00Z

Brian will receive Irish American magazine’s “Star of the South” award on October 18 in Atlanta, Georgia. The “Star of the South” award is given annually to southerners of Irish and Scotch Irish heritage who exemplify the values of hard work, responsibility and community service that have made Irish Americans prosperous members of the American family.

“I am honored to receive this award from Irish- and Scotch-Irish-American leaders across our region,” Brian said. “My grandparents came to America from Ireland with nothing more than a single suitcase - only to face signs that said ‘Irish Need Not Apply.’ They broke down barriers to ensure a better life for the next generation and generations after that. They taught me the importance of our shared commitment to opportunity for all.”

Brian was particularly recognized for championing Alicia’s Law, which cracks down on Internet child sexual predators. Alicia’s Law is named after Alicia Kozakiewicz, who was abducted by an online predator and held in his Herndon basement until rescued by the Northern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This initiative doubles the capacity of these officers to arrest and prosecute child sexual predators.

Local Kicks covers the story.