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.

MARTINSVILLE – Today, 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.

These endorsements represent important support for Moran across rural Virginia. They demonstrate that Moran, a candidate from Northern Virginia, is in touch with the needs of rural Virginians as well.

Moran visited Martinsville eight years ago to support the Textile Workers Relief Act, legislation that supported unemployed workers after the closing of the Tultex plant. He has worked to expand incentives for job creation, raise wages for working families and expand access to rural healthcare. Moran grew up in a middle-class family and understands the financial struggles families are facing in today’s weak economy.

“I am honored to have the support of these community leaders,” said Delegate Moran. “I plan on being a champion of rural Virginia in the Governor’s office just as Mark Warner has always been. I know that Virginia needs a leader with a record of fighting for the hard-working men and women of rural Virginia.”

Warner first suggested that Moran run for the House of Delegates. They both live in Alexandria.

The endorsement event was the third in a series of announcements of support for Moran. Earlier this month, Moran announced the support of a majority of Democratic local elected officials in bellwether Loudoun County and majority support from the Democratic Party of Virginia’s executive committee as part of his “Virginia Values Tour.”

“As the leader of House Democrats, I know that Brian has a real record of fighting and winning for Virginia Democrats all over our Commonwealth. He can win in every region and I know that Southside will have a friend in the Governor’s office with Brian Moran. I’ve been proud to serve with him and I am proud to support him.”

      - Delegate Ward Armstrong (D-10), House Minority Leader

“Virginia’s next Governor needs to be a proven fighter for Virginia Democrats in every region of the Commonwealth and have a record of working with Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. I’m proud to support Brian Moran because he can lead our region and our Commonwealth through these tough economic times. He has worked for Democrats all over Virginia, and now we’re ready to go to work for him.”

      - Lorene Martin, Chair, Martinsville Democratic Committee

"Brian Moran has a strong record in support of public safety and first responders. I'm proud to support this former Prosecutor in his bid for Governor because he understands what it takes for front-line responders to keep our neighborhoods safe. Brian has already demonstrated his interest in our region by numerous visits and his work in the General Assembly."

      - Steve M. Draper, Sheriff, Martinsville

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).

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.

Supporting Comments

“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

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."

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.

Recognizes outstanding leaders of Irish heritage

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran, a candidate for Governor, 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. Moran will speak at the award ceremony at the Commerce Club in Atlanta, Ga.

“I am honored to receive this award from Irish- and Scotch-Irish-American leaders across our region,” Delegate Moran 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.”

Moran 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.

Thanks to the work of U.S. Senator Jim Webb, Virginians are increasingly aware of the significant contributions Irish- and Scotch-Irish-Americans. Delegate Moran is proud to share a heritage with Senator Webb.

This is an op-ed by Brian Moran that originally ran in the Bristol Herald Courier on August 24, 2008.

When I was growing up, my parents welcomed two foster children into our home to join my six brothers and sisters and me. Ours was a traditional Irish middle-class family, so we did not have much.

But helping these young kids get a strong start was my parents’ way of teaching us that everyone deserves a chance – that it’s our job to ensure equal opportunity.

I was reminded of that experience during my recent visit to the Wise County Fairgrounds to see the Remote Area Medical (RAM) Expedition. RAM is the nation’s largest free basic health-care event and this all-volunteer event is an important reminder of our shared commitment to leveling the playing field for everyone.

But this visit also made clear that our efforts to increase health care access in rural Virginia have not done nearly enough.

As I watched one line snake around a tent four times – and saw hundreds waiting for basic health and dental care– I knew that this event serves as powerful proof of our failure to ensure adequate health care for every Virginian. Organizers estimate over 2500 received care over the three days, but as many as 1000 more were turned away.

In a prosperous state in the most powerful nation on earth, it is a simple fact that no one should be denied access to health care. Early health care intervention is not only a moral imperative; it also saves resources. It is much more cost effective to make blood pressure screening and medication available than it is to treat a stroke. Regular dental cleanings are more cost effective than fashioning a new set of teeth.

This visit highlighted what I’ve learned as I prepare my campaign for Governor: Intelligence and ability are equally distributed across this Commonwealth, but investment and opportunity are not.

As thankful as we all are for the volunteers who make this event a success each year, health care access should not be limited to one weekend in July, it should be available year round. As proud as we are of the work at RAM, we will only be successful when we have expanded health care access to the point where this event is no longer necessary.

We cannot expect preventative medicine to reduce rising costs if citizens don’t have regular access to a primary care physician. We cannot expect our kids to do well in school if they don’t have a healthy start. And we certainly can’t expect rural economies to turn around if we only provide health care one weekend a year.

Even in light of RAM’s tremendous work, we cannot forget that opportunity is a fundamental guarantee to all those who live in our Commonwealth, and too many people are being left behind.

Virginia must build the health-care infrastructure to guarantee that Virginians, no matter where they live, have access to basic care, including preventative care. With today’s high gas prices, we cannot expect people to travel across regions to see a doctor.

Roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population lives in rural America, but only 10 percent of physicians practice there. To tackle the crisis of these medically underserved areas, we have to look to the next generation of nurses, doctors, and dentists and find innovative ways to encourage them to practice in the regions that need them the most. Virginia’s medical and higher-education communities offer important partnership opportunities to help us meet this growing need.

Ultimately, we need to insure more people. The uninsured population in the Wise County area is one of the state’s highest. Those without health insurance are more likely to delay necessary doctor visits, depriving them of access to preventative care and driving up costs for everyone else. Therefore, Virginia needs a long-term vision for health care that includes preventative care; otherwise, we won’t solve the health-care crisis by tackling symptoms in the emergency room.

We’ve got to tackle the root cause. That means healthy food in our school cafeterias, increased exercise and healthier lifestyles, insurance for every child, immunizations for our kids and quality long-term care for our seniors.

If Virginia needs an example of the progress that can be made if we put our minds to it, we can look to recent work expanding health care coverage to children and pregnant women.

We have insured 450,000 children in recent years - more than at any time in our state’s history.

This success proves that Virginia can meet the challenge of health care access only with the right type of leadership. If we work across partisan divisions and regional lines, I’m confident the line at future RAM clinics will be shorter.

Important speech on the leadership needed for economic growth and innovation

CHESTERFIELD –Today House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran outlined his approach to the Commonwealth’s environmental and energy challenges. Speaking to the Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club, Moran reviewed his experience, explained his values and discussed his vision for Virginia’s energy economy and environmental future. Moran pledged a focus on economic growth while defining his measure of success as “the legacy we leave to the next generation.”

The full text of his remarks is here. This is the second in a series of important remarks on public policy challenges facing Virginia.

“We can create jobs by investing in a 21st century energy economy,” Delegate Moran said. “That means putting Virginians to work in good, high-paying jobs in green construction, bringing manufacturing jobs back by investing in wind turbines and creating new industries by investing in alternative energy research.”

During his remarks, he highlighted his work as chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and chief legislative partner to Governors Warner and Kaine. He highlighted his long-time environmental record including his 100 percent rating from the League of Conservation Voters in 2008. Moran discussed his work to promote LEED construction, create tax credits for renewable energy production, and invest in mass transit and rail.

“From the capitol in Richmond to the halls of Washington, it’s going to take a joint commitment – the type of commitment we haven’t seen since John Kennedy challenged us to land a man on the moon,” said Moran. “It’s going to take another Apollo mission to get this done. Virginia can’t lead our nation, and our nation can’t lead this world, if we stay behind in this race.”

Delegate Moran outlined his commitment to fiscal responsibility on August 18th while addressing the Virginia Commissioners of Revenue and Treasurers Association in Roanoke.

Remarks of Delegate Brian Moran to the Virginia Sierra Club Fall Jamboree
September 13, 2008

Good Afternoon. Thank you for that warm introduction. It’s great to be here today to share my thoughts on protecting Virginia’s environment.

It’s fitting that we’re meeting here in Pocahontas State Park - the state’s largest park. We need only look at the beauty around us to be reminded that environmental protection and conservation are not just policy positions; they are about the values we share and the legacy we want to leave to the next generation.

When I was 10 years old, I saved up the money I earned from mowing lawns to buy an acre of wooded land with a small creek running through it. And as I look back, I can see how the values I grew up with taught me a deep respect and appreciation for the environment – for our environment, values I’ve carried with me to this day. And these are values I’m passing on to my children - with a compost pile in the backyard and a six-year-old who knows exactly what to put in the recycling bin.

Today, I still believe that every acre of land – every stream, wetland, seashore, mountaintop – every part of God’s creation deserves our respect and protection. And our commitment that they will be here for generations to come.

Back when I was a local prosecutor, my wife Karyn and I were out to dinner with our friends Mark and Lisa -- that was back when we called him “Mark” not “Governor” – that night he suggested that I run for the House of Delegates. Sometimes, though, I wonder what would have happened if he would have just given me some stock tips, instead.

In the General Assembly, I’ve been proud to be your partner on important issues:

• Promoting green buildings and LEED standards for state construction;
• Creating a tax credit for renewable energy production;
• Establishing tele-work plans for state agencies and employees;
• Proposing a transportation plan that emphasized mass transit and rail because we need walkable, livable communities -- with fewer cars and smarter land-use planning;
• And I stood on the sands of Virginia Beach with the mayor and the Sierra Club to say “no” to offshore drilling.

The work you, and the 17,000 members of the Sierra Club do, make clear that we can address the issues that threaten our environment. And it’s why I am so proud of my 100% rating from the League of Conservation Voters this year.

Your work is incredibly important. From your advocacy in the General Assembly and local government to education and your work in our schools, you’re setting the bar high for all of us in elected office. You’re holding our feet to the fire – thank you for doing that.

I believe decreasing our impact on the environment is essential. Just a few weeks ago, I purchased carbon offsets to neutralize the carbon footprint of the Virginia delegation to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. That action alone will not solve the problem, but it is important for each of us to do our part.

I look forward to the day when we live in a more environmentally sustainable way and the cost of protecting our environment is built into the cost of doing business – when we can say that our economic activity is in sync with our environmental impact.

Since I’ve returned from the Democratic Convention - the first-ever green convention - I’ve been thinking it’s disappointing that protecting our environment has become a partisan issue.

Whether it was Teddy Roosevelt, who set aside almost 200 million acres for preservation, or Richard Nixon, who created the Environmental Protection Agency, this used to be a bipartisan effort.

But these days the pro-environment Republican has become an endangered species.

Our commonwealth and our country need leaders who share our values, and who will stand up for future generations - because the stakes have never been higher.

The fact is that our challenges today are interconnected. Our transportation, land-use and energy policies effect our environment; our environmental policies and economic development plans affect each other.

Leading this commonwealth requires an understanding that the challenges we face – and the solutions we seek – affect each other like never before.

That’s why we must reject the false choice between growing our economy and protecting our environment. We can create jobs by investing in a 21st century energy economy.

That means putting Virginians to work in good, high-paying jobs in green construction, bringing manufacturing jobs back by investing in wind turbines, and creating new industries by investing in alternative energy research.

As the Sierra Club recently reported, we can create 55,000 new jobs in Virginia with this kind of investment. We can start to build tomorrow’s economy today.

Opportunities exist right here in Virginia. Whether it’s working toward Virginia’s first wind farm in Highland County, our switch grass plant in Chatham, or the biodiesel truck stop in Henry County, we can tackle climate change and create jobs.

Just recently, the Washington Post wrote about one state that’s leading the way in wind energy -- a state that’s doubled its wind capacity in the past 18 months, bringing new jobs and investments in research. That state is Colorado.

Folks, that needs to be us.

We should be leading the way in wind, solar and biomass. Virginia should be getting those jobs. I can promise you one thing – if I’m fortunate enough to be elected your governor, they’ll be writing those stories about us! We should be investing in offshore wind, not offshore drilling. Offshore wind can supply 20% of our electricity needs here in Virginia. It’s time we got serious about wind energy.

Let’s be clear about this: We cannot drill our way out of the energy crisis. We can’t cure our addiction to oil by drilling for more. We can’t tackle 21st century problems with 19th century solutions.

And let’s get serious about energy efficiency. It’s one of the fastest and most effective ways to reduce CO2 emissions, save Virginians money and reduce our use of fossil fuels. In a recent report, Virginia ranked 38th in the nation for efficiency and conservation programs.

We must do better.

We have to start by putting smart meters in our homes, so that our families can use energy when it’s the cheapest and use less of it and by making green buildings that are more energy efficient and cheaper to operate.

And we have to do more to conserve oil and gas with smarter, more efficient cars and transportation systems because the most important gallon of gas is the one we don’t use. And while we can’t drill our way out of this problem, we can grow our way out of it, by investing in crops that produce biomass and biofuels.

Clearly, there is no single solution – no one way to solve this problem. And Virginia can’t do it alone -- but we must do our part. We must invest in research and development, partnering with UVA, Virginia Tech, and all our great universities to ensure that future breakthroughs happen right here. Virginia can and should lead in this - one of the great challenges of the 21st century.

But doing all this won’t be easy. From the capitol in Richmond to the halls of Washington, it’s going to take a joint commitment – the type of commitment we haven’t seen since John Kennedy challenged us to land a man on the moon. It’s going to take another Apollo Mission to get this done. Virginia can’t lead our nation, and our nation can’t lead this world, if we stay behind in this race. This is a mission we can’t postpone and a challenge we can’t fail to meet.

Teddy Roosevelt set the standard for us all when he said, “The Nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets… which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value…and behaves badly if it leaves the land poorer to those who come after….” People ask whether protecting our environment will help our economy, and it will. But this is about something greater. Are we judged by how we best exploit our resources for economic gain? Or do we measure success by the legacy we leave behind? We must act, as Roosevelt said, “So that our children will be richer, and not poorer because we have lived.” That must be our standard. That is how we will be judged.

Thank you for the opportunity to be here today and for all your hard work. Thank you and God bless you.

Sign of his commitment to protecting the environment

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran announced today that he has purchased carbon offsets to neutralize the carbon footprint of the Virginia Delegation to the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Carbon offsets were purchased through Native Energy, a partner with the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC). According to the DNCC, the Virginia Delegation will produce approximately 115 tons of carbon-based pollution from their air and ground travel, accommodations and waste – approximately one ton per delegate. Each carbon offset will be invested in renewable energy and reduce future carbon output by the amount that otherwise would be in our atmosphere.

“Democrats have a long track record as champions of our environment,” Moran said. “Leaving a clean and healthy world for the next generation is both a moral obligation and an economic necessity. It’s important we show our commitment to this cause with both our words and our actions.”

The last 10 years have each been one of the 25 warmest on record. The year 2006 was the hottest year on record. The United States is the world’s largest global warming polluter. Americans create 25 percent of all emissions while making up only 5 percent of the world’s population. The U.S. Geological Survey predicts that Glacier National Park will have no glaciers left in only 20 years.

Specific information on the program and the project list are available from the DNCC.

Of the 115 tons of carbon produced by the Virginia Delegation, 44 tons have already been offset by delegation members. Delegate Moran’s offset for those 44 delegates will help reduce the overall carbon footprint of the convention. Although he is not a delegate to the convention, Moran also purchased an offset for his own carbon impact.

Important Speech on responsibility, honesty and integrity in fiscal affairs

ROANOKE, Va. – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran today outlined his approach to the Commonwealth’s fiscal affairs. Moran pledged a focus on responsibility, honesty and integrity in state spending. In remarks given to the Treasurers’ Association of Virginia and the Commissioners of the Revenue Association of Virginia, Moran highlighted the Commonwealth’s fiscal challenges and the recent revenue downturn. He explained how the values he learned as one of seven children in a struggling middle-class family encourage him to run a fiscally responsible government that pays its bills and meets its commitments.

“Growing up we didn’t have much, so my parents worked hard – and taught me and my brothers and sisters something in the process: You’ve got to be honest about your obligations. Slick financial tricks and accounting gimmicks won’t keep a roof over your head – they won’t pay the mortgage or send the kids to college,” Moran said. “And it is no different for our Commonwealth – bumper stickers and campaign slogans won’t make our schools better, our colleges more competitive, or build roads and bridges.”

Delegate Moran discussed Virginia’s 22,000 foreclosures this year and the fact that homes have been selling for less than the value of their mortgages. Governor Kaine shared these concerns with the General Assembly at a joint meeting of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees on Monday. Moran pledged a steady, fiscally responsible hand to meet the commitments we have made during these difficult times. He also highlighted his own work as Chairman of Alexandria’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs committee during the real-estate downturn of the late 1980s.

As Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, Moran was a chief legislative partner to Governor Warner when the legislature passed budget reform to fix the state’s structural imbalance and preserved its triple-A bond rating. “I’m proud to share this accomplishment with Governor Warner, but even more proud to share a common vision for fiscal responsibility,” Delegate Moran said.

He continued, “Governor Warner was a shining example of the type of balanced-budget, meet-your-obligations approach to government that I am proud to share and will strive to achieve. That’s why Virginia is the best managed state in the nation with an excellent credit rating.” Moran also praised Governor Kaine’s work to continue this fiscally responsible approach during the current downturn in revenue.

During the remarks, Delegate Moran also praised the work of local Treasurers and Commissioners of Revenue as the leaders at the forefront of balancing local government budgets. He highlighted some of their successful initiatives, including the non-arbitrage program that protects our bond funds, new DMV select offices across the Commonwealth, and the collection of overdue taxes from federal refunds.

Consistent record working for cleaner, more energy-efficient Virginia

RICHMOND -- House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran received a perfect score on the annual League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Score Card released Monday and was recognized at an annual LCV event as a "Legislative Hero." Moran authored initiatives to require a "Green Building" standard for state construction, tax credits to expand production of biofuels, and transportation solutions that emphasize approaches like mass transit and rail.

"I'm honored to receive this recognition from Virginia’s conservation voters," Delegate Moran said. "The next generation is depending on us to be responsible stewards of Virginia’s natural treasures. I’ve been proud to successfully partner with the conservation community, but we have more work to do."

According to the Sierra Club, the years between 1995 and 2006 rank among the twelve warmest recorded since 1850. The National Wildlife Federation recently estimated that global climate change will cause the loss of 58 percent of the beaches on the mid-Atlantic coast, while inundating 161,000 acres of marshes and 167,000 acres of dry land.

"We’re proud to recognize Delegate Moran as a legislative hero this year with a perfect score on conservation issues," said Virginia League of Conservation Voters Executive Director Lisa Gutherie. "His work to build more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient buildings, expand access to alternative and renewable energy, and protect our coastline helps leave a cleaner, better world for the next generation."

Other legislators' scores are available online at the VALCV web site.

ALEXANDRIA – House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran made the following statement about tomorrow’s increase in the minimum wage to $6.55 per hour. Delegate Moran championed an increase in Virginia’s minimum wage in 2007 (HB 2849, 2007). Although the initiative was unsuccessful in Virginia, the federal government adopted a similar proposal, which Delegate Moran supported.

“Working full time and raising a family should never be a ticket to poverty,” House Democratic Caucus Chair Brian Moran said. “Hard work should be rewarded with fair pay. Increasing the minimum wage will help drive Virginia’s economy by putting money into the pockets of Americans who will spend it. Today is another step forward to ensuring a level economic playing field for all Virginians. In the face of the high price of gas and groceries, raising the minimum wage is a smart investment in the middle-class families that need it the most.”

This increase is the second of three provided by the Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007. A third minimum wage increase to $7.25 an hour will become effective on July 24, 2009. Last year, on July 24, the minimum wage increased to $5.85 an hour.

Facts on the minimum wage:

• A single parent earning minimum wage earns $12,100/year, $2,800 below the poverty line. Nearly 35 percent of minimum-wage workers are sole family earners and one in three Virginians earning the minimum wage are raising children.
• Between 1998 and 2004, the job growth for small businesses in states with a minimum wage higher than the federal level was 6.2 percent compared to a 4.1 percent growth in states where the federal level prevailed.

Selected resources on Delegate Moran’s work regarding the minimum wage:
Democrats to Propose Minimum Wage Boost (Washington Post, December 2006)
Minimum Wage Hike Gets Pushed (Freelance Star, December 2006)
Democrats push minimum wage issue (Roanoke Times, December 2006)
Delegate Moran testifies to Commerce and Labor Subcommittee (January 2007)

This op-ed by Brian Moran originally appeared in the Washington Times

Earlier this month, our Regional Transportation Planning Board delayed or cancelled projects in every Northern Virginia jurisdiction, as well as for the Virginia Railway Express. That is because Virginia recently lost a significant opportunity to strengthen the economy of our commonwealth, solve the congestion crisis, fix failing bridges across the state and improve the quality of life for millions of our fellow citizens.

The demands on our transportation system continue to overwhelm the supply. Over the past 20 years, the capacity of our roadways has only grown 9 percent, while Virginians are traveling 80 percent more and own 61 percent more cars. Also, there are 36 percent more drivers than in 1988. Unfortunately, there are those in the Republican leadership who refuse to respond to this growing, critical need. They do not realize that transportation infrastructure is key to sustaining our quality of life and growing our economy.

Virginia is known as the best state in the nation to do business, a distinction of which we are rightly proud. We also retain one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. Our businesses depend on a strong transportation network to move products and materials to customers, factories and stores. Business leaders in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads are already feeling the pinch of aging infrastructure. Virginia's long-term economic future depends on strong transportation investment. That is why the Chamber of Commerce and business groups from across the commonwealth joined Democrats to support new revenue for transportation.

Investing in transportation now also would have meant an immediate infusion of new jobs and capital investment in a struggling economy. During the recent debate, the owner of a small bridge-building and construction firm approached me. He told me that he has had to lay off more than 50 employees in the Prince William area. Investing in transportation and infrastructure projects could have meant more contracts and more jobs for his company. A $1 billion transportation investment would have created 35,000 new jobs.

Of course, transportation issues affect more than jobs and the economy. A stronger transportation system means that Virginians don't have to spend hundreds of hours stuck in traffic. The average Virginian loses $1,000 a year in car repair costs and gas due to traffic. A transportation investment would mean that parents get home for dinner on time, or get a chance to make it to their kid's soccer game. And a stronger transportation system is also a smarter one - a system that uses more mass transit and gas-saving incentives to promote a cleaner environment. We can't solve this problem with roads alone or build our way out of it. We need 21st-century solutions.

With all of these benefits and opportunities, the actions of the Republican leadership in the House of Delegates remain a shocking statement of ideological gamesmanship and indifference to the needs of Virginia. Democrats put no less than four complete, comprehensive transportation solutions on the table, only to have them attacked and voted down by the Republican House majority.

During the special session, Democrats from the House and the Senate proposed a compromise package. It met statewide needs for new construction as well as maintenance. Our plan, which I was proud to support and vote for, contained no increase in the gas tax. The last thing Virginians need are higher costs at the pump. And it cut the tax on food, as rising costs have made it more difficult for families to put dinner on the table. Above all, our plan was a shot in the arm to Virginia's economy and a long-term investment in our business environment.

You can't be pro-business while being anti-government. Government has an important role to play in strengthening our infrastructure, developing our economy and creating new jobs. When inflexible ideologies get in the way of simple facts, we get gridlock and failure - exactly the kind of backward leadership we saw in Richmond last week. And it is increasingly clear that the people of Virginia are rejecting it.

As a Northern Virginia business owner and parent, I know firsthand the negative impact on hours of productivity lost to business, family baseball games missed, and late dinners because of our congestion crisis. I vow to work with Democrats and Republicans to develop solutions to the traffic we face and the infrastructure demands ahead of us. Virginians demand and deserve no less.