News

BLACKSBURG – Brian Moran made the following statement about the first 100 days of President Obama’s administration. Moran campaigned for President Obama across the Commonwealth in 2008 and attended the Democratic National Convention in Denver. He has received the endorsement of Black Women United for Obama, a national network of African-American Women. Students for Moran is hosting a Salute to President Obama’s first 100 days this evening.

“President Barack Obama’s first hundred days have been a testament to the type of leadership Virginia and America needs: A steady hand in times of crisis and an honest voice in the face of a broken politics. I was proud to campaign for President Obama and help rally Virginia to his side.

The last 100 days have proven that elections matters. President Obama has successfully changed the direction of our country, managed the national security crisis, passed a sweeping economic recovery package to put people back to work, and changed Washington into a place that works for people.

This election was a milestone for our nation and proved, once again, that everyone can put their hands to the arc of history and ‘bend it toward the hope of a brighter day.’ Americans want a progressive vision with hope and optimism and a leader to put them first, and that’s what they have with President Obama. After 100 days in office, I think we can successfully say ‘Yes We Did!’”

Students for Moran hosts a salute to President Obama’s first 100 days at Twist Restaurant, 25 Wythe Creek Road in Hampton, 6 – 8 p.m. this evening.

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

~Opening Richmond Office on Monday~

RICHMOND –Richmond City Clerk of the Court Bevill Dean and Chesterfield Supervisor Jim Holland announced their support of Brian Moran for Governor today. Dean is a city-wide elected official in Richmond, and Holland is the only Democrat on the Chesterfield Board of Supervisors. These local leaders join Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones, Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Herring, Henrico School Board Member Lamont Bagby and others in their support for Moran. Dean and Holland cited Moran’s proven record of fighting for people as critical in these difficult economic times. Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones will host the opening of Moran’s Richmond office on Monday.

“For twenty years Brian Moran has been fighting hard for Virginia’s working families,” Dean said. “He’s worked to raise the minimum wage, raise teacher salaries and make communities safer by improving our court system. In these tough times, we need a leader that fights for people, and Brian Moran is the right person to move Virginia forward.”

Moran was an Arlington County prosecutor before serving for 13 years in the General Assembly, seven of those as House Democratic Caucus Chair. He has a long record of working to strengthen public education for our children, clean up the environment and expand access to health care for every child.

"Brian has spent his adult life fighting for the people of Virginia, and we know he will continue to as Governor," Holland said. "He has been working for 20 years to improve public education, strengthen our health care system and grow our economy. We need a leader who understands the demands at the local level and how to get work done in Richmond. In these tough times, Virginians can trust that Brian Moran will fight for them."

Moran’s Richmond office’s grand opening will be Monday, May 4 at 6 p.m. The office is located at 24 A North 8th Street. Karyn Moran will attend the office opening.

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

~ Plant Hurts Environment and Economy~

ALEXANDRIA – Brian Moran released the following statement after the Wise Energy for Virginia Coalition released a report documenting the potential costs to Old Dominion Electric Cooperative customers from the proposed Surry coal mega-plant. Moran is the only candidate for Governor to oppose the proposed plant.

“This report proves that the cost to consumers of building this new plant far outweighs any benefit. In these tough economic times, Virginia families need someone pushing for energy efficiency and renewable resources that are more cost effective and protect our environment at the same time. We know we can’t continue to use 19th century fossil fuels to meet our 21st century energy challenges. We’ve know that this plant was not environmentally responsible, now we know it’s not economically sound either. Our next governor must have the leadership and judgment to connect the dots between energy, our economy and protecting our environment.”

The report is available here: http://wiseenergyforvirginia.org/2009/04/odec-coal-plant-would-be-a-bad-deal-for-ratepayers/

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

~ Democratic Backbone Backs Moran~

ALEXANDRIA –More than 150 key grassroots Democratic activists announced their support of Brian Moran for Governor today. These leaders have worked with Moran over the past 10 years to turn Virginia from red to blue. They are many of the key Democratic activists who were integral to the successes of Senator Jim Webb, Senator Mark Warner and President Barack Obama’s campaigns.

“I’m so proud that the backbone of the Democratic Party of Virginia is backing my campaign,” Moran said. “These local leaders know their communities and are volunteering and organizing for my campaign. With them comes a local, grassroots base in Virginia that’s been successful election after election this decade.”

The local activists endorsing Moran today include some of those first involved in the Webb or Obama campaigns and other long-time Democratic activists across the state. Several of the local Democratic leaders are also community bloggers.

“We know that our opponent touts the strength of his 98 paid staffers, but paid organizers can’t compete with the passion, community standing and strong personal networks of these grassroots Democratic leaders,” Moran Campaign Manager Andrew Roos said. “These are the folks who win grassroots campaigns, and they support Brian Moran because they know he has been on their side and will fight for them.”

Many of those supporting Moran have written personal statements about why they believe we need his proven record of fighting for people from our next Governor.

The list and selected statements are available here: http://www.brianmoran.com/endorsements/grassroots-endorsements

The list will continue to grow and expand through the election.

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

~ McAuliffe campaign admits support for offshore drilling, continues to support Surry Coal Mega-Plant~

ALEXANDRIA – After months of pledging to run an entirely positive campaign, McAuliffe campaign manager Mike Henry sent an email to supporters today attacking the Moran campaign, in an attempt to cover up McAuliffe’s record of supporting drilling off Virginia’s coast.

“Our opponent’s campaign has broken their promise to stay positive in an attempt to divert attention from the positions CEO McAuliffe has taken in his ‘Business Plan’ and during this campaign,” Campaign Manager Andrew Roos said. “It’s just a simple fact that there are real differences in this campaign, and we will continue to point those out to the voters no matter what the other side tries to throw at us. Brian Moran has a great record of protecting the environment throughout his career. He opposes offshore drilling and a new coal mega-plant in Surry. Terry McAuliffe has consistently said he’s for drilling off our coast and that he does not oppose the new coal mega-plant. He should be honest about that and tell the truth. The difference is clear.”

Charlottesville’s NBC29 recently featured a discussion of the four candidates on offshore drilling available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zZ0zjjfSPM

Earlier in the week, Friends of Terry McAuliffe sponsored a poll testing negative attacks against Brian Moran. The poll was conducted by Luce Research from Colorado Springs, Colorado.

McAuliffe’s campaign has not only broken its most visible campaign pledge, but also continues to make a misleading distinction between offshore oil drilling and offshore gas drilling. This position has been refuted by the federal Minerals Management Service, the body which regulates federal offshore drilling leases:

“Q15: The Commonwealth of Virginia indicated interest in possibly having gas-only leasing, as part of Virginia's Energy Policy as defined in Virginia Code § 67-300. Is that an option?

A15: No, gas-only leasing is not currently an option because the OCS Lands Act does not allow for leasing of and exploration for natural gas only, as it authorizes ‘oil and gas leases’ under section 8 (43 U.S.C. 1337). Additionally, there are technical and engineering challenges to gas-only leasing including maintaining appropriate reservoir development and determining what would happen if oil was found.”

Source: Federal Minerals Management Service Virginia Q&A. http://www.mms.gov/offshore/220/VirginiaFrequentlyAskedQuestions.pdf

Brian Moran has consistently fought offshore drilling of all kinds.

• January, 2009. “In the race to become the next governor, Brian Moran, a Democrat, broke ranks Tuesday with other candidates by vowing to fight all efforts to allow oil and natural gas drilling off the Virginia coast.” (No Drilling off VA Coast, Virginian-Pilot, 1/14/2009)
• May, 2007. “During a news conference, [Brian Moran and Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera E. Oberndorf] …raised concerns about the impact offshore drilling could have on Virginia Beach tourism, the environment and global warming.” (Delegate, Mayor, Sierra Club Oppose Drilling for Oil in Virginia, Associated Press, May 26, 2007)

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

~ Need a Fighter for Public Education~

HAMPTON – Brian Moran’s campaign manager, Andrew Roos, made the following statement after Bob McDonnell spoke to the Virginia Education Association. In the House of Delegates, McDonnell opposed the largest investment in public education in Virginia history which lowered class sizes and raised teacher salaries.

“The utter hypocrisy of Bob McDonnell claiming to be a friend of public education is galling. Every time Virginia Democratic leaders have fought for public education, Bob McDonnell has stood in the way. Virginia is the best state in the nation for a child’s life time success despite Bob McDonnell, not because of him.”

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

ALEXANDRIA – Brian Moran made the following statement about the passing of former Delegate George Rawlings from Fredericksburg. Rawlings was a leading liberal voice in Virginia politics for over 3 decades, serving as a state Delegate and Democratic leader.

“We’ve lost the passion of a true progressive champion here in Virginia. George was a voice for the voiceless and a fighter for those who needed someone the most. He took on tough fights here in Virginia long before others were ready to the step to the plate. He pushed our party to stand up for the least among us. I knew George as a leader and a friend. His loss is Virginia’s loss and he will be missed.”

The Fredericksburg Free-Lance Star wrote about Rawling’s passing today: http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2009/042009/04232009/461511/index_html?page=2

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

~ Plan to Invest in Students, Teachers, Schools ~

RICHMOND – Today, Brian Moran pledged to fight for public education as Governor, announcing a comprehensive plan to give every child a chance to succeed. Moran’s “Smart Virginia” education plan will close the achievement gap between students, expand early childhood education, attract and retain top quality teachers, and position our graduates to compete globally. Moran also committed to keeping Virginia the Best State for a Child’s Lifetime Success.

Moran held his announcement at the Richmond Math and Science Innovation Center and was joined by Richmond-area educators and leaders, including Henrico County School Board member Lamont Bagby.

“As a parent with two children in Virginia’s public schools, this is personal for me. We must do more than just say we’re going to fight for public education. We must make it our number one priority,” Moran said. “Our teachers deserve better and our children deserve the very best. My father was a school teacher and I know that there is nothing more important than the quality of the teacher in the classroom to ensure our kids’ ability to learn.”

Key Elements of “Smart Virginia”

Keeping our Pre-K Commitment. Brian Moran will continue fighting to expand pre-kindergarten because every child deserves to enter grade school ready to learn. 90% of brain development occurs before a child reaches their fifth birthday. Moran stood by Governor Kaine when he announced the Virginia Preschool Initiative.

Increasing teacher pay. As governor, Brian Moran will continue his efforts to raise teachers’ salaries to the national average. Research shows that an increase in teachers’ salaries is associated with a decrease in high school dropout rates and many who want to become teachers but are daunted by the financial challenges. Moran’s father was a high school government teacher. Brian has seen the difference a good teacher can make. Brian Moran has fought to compensate Virginia’s teachers like the professionals they are, by working to increase teachers’ salaries and to protect their health care and retirement benefits.

Preparing for a new century with green schools and financial literacy. Brian Moran will emphasize the development of a Green Schools Initiative to build schools that are more efficient and healthier for students. He will also implement new financial literacy courses that prepare students for the complex financial world today’s graduates face.

Raising graduation rates with smaller class sizes. Brian Moran will focus on smart, results-oriented initiatives to ensure that more of our kids graduate high school. As Governor, he will work toward the goal of having every Virginia student graduate with an Advanced Diploma, which will increasingly become the launching pad for competing in our global economy. To achieve both increased graduation rates and more students earning Advanced Diplomas, Brian Moran will focus on smaller class sizes, strengthening programs for at-risk and special needs students and closing the achievement gaps in reading and math.

Brian Moran’s Record

Brian Moran brings a twenty year record of public service in Virginia to this campaign for Governor. Over the past eight years, he has been the chief legislative partner for Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. He led the successful fight for the largest investment in public education in Virginia history. He also stood with Governor Kaine to promote the Virginia Preschool Initiative. He has consistently supported Virginia’s public school teachers and has been the leading advocate to increase teachers’ salaries to the national average. Because of the leadership of Mark Warner, Tim Kaine and Brian Moran, Virginia was named the best state for a child’s lifetime success. Moran was named Child Advocate of the Year by the Virginia PTA in 2007.

The full plan is available at http://brianmoran.com/assets/2009/4/22/Smart_Virginia.pdf

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

~ Fighting for Equality~

ALEXANDRIA – Brian Moran made the following statement after the Virginia Partisans Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club recommended equality-minded voters support his candidacy for Governor. Moran has consistently been a fighter for equality over 13 years in the General Assembly and is the only candidate for Governor to consistently vote against, speak out against and campaign against the anti-gay Marshall-Newman amendment in 2006. At the first debate on Sunday, Moran was the only candidate for Governor willing to repeal that amendment if elected.

“Equality is a fundamental value that makes us Democrats,” Moran said. “I’m proud that the Virginia Partisans recognizes my career-long fight to break down barriers and ensure equality. Virginians know where I will stand on this issue because they know where I have stood. Leadership isn’t easy.”

Moran supports full contract rights for LGBT Virginians including domestic partnership benefits, hospital visitation rights, contract rights, and other benefits. Those were all made unconstitutional by the 2006 amendment. Moran also supports the inclusion of sexual orientation in Virginia’s hate crimes statute.

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

~ Fighter for Equality~

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Virginia Partisans Gay and Lesbian Democratic Club today recommended that equality-minded voters support Brian Moran in the Democratic Primary for Governor on June 9.

“Throughout his career, he’s fought alongside us– not just in his voting record, but also in the leadership positions he has taken in support of equality,” Partisans President Charley Conrad said. “And even now, during this campaign, he continues to push pro-equality positions, despite any potential political risk. The LGBT community is standing firmly with Brian because he has always stood up for us.”

Monday’s Washington Post reported that Moran was the only candidate for Governor calling for the repeal of the anti-gay “Marshall-Newman” amendment passed in 2006. Moran was the only candidate to oppose the constitutional amendment in the legislature as well. Creigh Deeds supported the constitutional amendment in the legislature, and Terry McAuliffe took no position on the proposal prior to its passage on Election Day 2006.

In making the recommendation, the Virginia Partisans Board of Directors considered the candidates’ track records on issues as well as their current campaign positions. While other nearby states are actively taking steps to promote equality, gays in Virginia are still reeling from the passage of the anti-gay-marriage Marshall-Newman Constitutional Amendment in 2006.

The two houses of the state legislature each had approximately 15 recorded votes related to the amendment proposal, including attempts to kill the proposal, to amend it, to change the wording on the ballot itself, and for final passage over two years. Moran voted with the LGBT community’s interests on all of those votes. Moran was an early and vocal leader among elected officials in opposing it, and he campaigned statewide against it. Through his leadership and efforts, other top Democratic elected officials also followed suit, including Gov. Tim Kaine, former Gov. (and now Sen.) Mark Warner, and then-candidate Sen. James Webb.

During the current gubernatorial campaign, Moran continues his leadership on this issue, urging the amendment’s prompt repeal during candidate debates and forums and on the campaign trail. Deeds and McAuliffe have refused to join Moran’s call for repeal.

The Virginia Partisans is the leading democratic GLBT organization in Virginia. In existence since 1992, they have fought to elect great Democratic candidates like Mark Warner, Chuck Robb, Tim Kaine and President Barack Obama.

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of service to the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

~ Moran Pledges to Fight for Virginia~

~ Every Elected Democrat in Alexandria Backs Moran~

ALEXANDRIA – After traveling the state for 5 months, receiving unprecedented endorsements from local elected and Democratic leaders in all corners of Virginia, Brian Moran returned to his hometown of Alexandria for a rally to kick off his primary campaign and receive the support of his local community. Every local elected Democrat in Alexandria joined Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille and endorsed Moran for Governor. They cited Moran’s proven record of fighting for families in Alexandria and across the Commonwealth. Moran spoke to an overflow crowd at the center named for civil-rights pioneer Charles Houston.

Alexandria Democrats joined leaders from every other locality in Northern Virginia who have backed Moran’s campaign, including nearly every elected Democrat in Arlington, the majority of the Democrats on the Fairfax Board of Supervisors, nearly every elected Democrat in Falls Church including the Mayor, and nearly every elected Democrat in the bellwether counties of Loudoun and Prince William. Demonstrated the depth of his support around the state, the campaign released this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KSvbw-jgvk

“Brian Moran has been a strong and effective leader for Alexandria, and I know he’ll stand up for all of Virginia as Governor,” Mayor Bill Euille said. “He knows how to get results for people and how to improve the lives of every Virginian. He’s someone we can trust, who knows Virginia, and will never stop fighting for us.”

Moran highlighted his long record of fighting for families across Virginia, working to raise the minimum wage, expanding health care to every child and protecting families. Moran was the chief legislative partner of Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine to make the largest investment in public education in Virginia’s history, which helped keep classes smaller and helped our kids prepare for college. Moran was elected to the House of Delegates in 1996 and to Chair the House Democratic Caucus in December of 2001.

“In these difficult times, Virginia needs a leader who fights for people each and every day,” Moran said. “For 20 years, I’ve fought hard for the people of Virginia. I know we need a Governor who cares more about the family dinner table than the corporate board room.”

In his speech, Moran pledged:

· a bold commitment to fight for a cleaner environment by creating renewable energy and green jobs, opposing offshore drilling, and standing firm against a new coal mega-plant in the Chesapeake bay region;

· a plan to provide health care to every Virginia child who needs it so children grow up healthy;

· an economic recovery plan that grows small businesses and helps entrepreneurs create more, better jobs and a Homeowners’ Bill of Rights that protects people from foreclosures;

· and a vital education initiative to raise teachers’ salaries to the national average, cut class sizes and strengthen public schools.

An unprecedented number of local elected leaders around Virginia are standing behind Brian Moran, including the mayors of Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Portsmouth, Williamsburg, Richmond, Leesburg, Petersburg, Falls Church and the Board of Supervisors Chair in Arlington. Moran also has the support of former Congressman L. F. Payne, House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong and the majority of Democrats on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Endorsing Moran today were:

· Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille and Vice Mayor Redella S. "Del" Pepper;

· Every member of the Alexandria City Council. Councilmember(s) Ludwig Gaines, Rob Krupicka, Timothy Lovain, and Paul Smedberg;

· Every Constitutional Officer from Alexandria. Sheriff Dana Lawhorne, Clerk of Court Ed Semonian, and Commonwealth’s Attorney Randy Sengel.

· Every member of the House of Delegates. Delegate David Englin, Charniele Herring.

· School Board Vice-Chair Sheryl Gorsuch and members Marc Williams, Charles Wilson, Blanche Maness and Eileen Cassidy-Rivera.

The campaign had previously announced the endorsements of former Alexandria Mayor and former Chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia, Kerry Donley; Delegate Adam Ebbin; and Councilman Justin Wilson.

“Brian has proven his bottom up campaign has support all over Virginia, and now he’s returned to his hometown and they are ready to step forward for him,” Campaign Chair Mame Reiley said.

An overflow crowd attended Brian’s Hometown Kickoff Rally at the Charles Houston Recreation Center. The Charles Houston Recreation Center was named in honor of attorney Charles Houston, who headed the legal effort that eventually led to the building of Alexandria’s first high school for African Americans. Houston was known as “the man who killed Jim Crow” and authored a legal brief used by his protégé, Thurgood Marshall, to win Brown vs. the Topeka Board of Education, the U. S. Supreme Court case that helped to end racial segregation.

The primary is just over 50 days away on June 9, 2009.

The campaign also played these two videos about Brian Moran: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H95s1so6rG4 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52idPmX6O9E

RELEVANT COMMENTS

“Throughout his time in public service, Brian Moran has never met a challenge that he couldn’t tackle. He takes on the big fights and wins them for people. Whether it’s standing firm for equality or pushing hard for public education, he’s always been there when the people of this city needed him.”
- Paul Smedberg, City Councilman

“Virginia needs a governor whose first priority is making lives better for people. We know Brian Moran will do that as Governor because he always has. He could have gone into private life for himself, but he decided to serve the public and fight for people. Now we’re going to work just as hard for him to be the next Governor.”
- Tim Lovain, City Councilman

“In these tough times, people need someone they know will be on their side. They need someone who has a plan to restart our economy, create thousands of new jobs, and grow our economy. Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for Virginia and a plan to get the job done.”
- Del Pepper, Vice-Mayor

"As a parent with kids in public school and an experienced advocate for children, Brian understands how important it is to invest in early childhood education and for Virginia to have high-quality schools. Virginia's children could not have a stronger supporter in the Governor's mansion than Brian Moran"
-Rob Krupicka, City Councilman

“Families are struggling today, and that’s why more and more people are joining Brian’s campaign for Governor. People know that Brian’s been standing up for them for 20 years. They know that he will make it his job to fight for those who need it the most.”
- Ludwig Gaines, City Councilman

“With two students in Alexandria public schools, Brian has a very personal stake in quality public education. He’s committed to raising teacher salaries to the national average and giving local schools the tools they need so our kids can compete for the jobs of the future. I can’t think of a better education-governor than Brian Moran.”
- Sheryl Gorsuch, Vice Chair of the School Board

“As a former prosecutor, Brian Moran knows the needs of local law enforcement and how to keep our communities safe. He’s fought to crack down on drunk driving and stop online child sexual predators. For 20 years – as a prosecutor and a legislator – he’s always worked to make our communities safe and secure.”
- Dana Lawhorne, Sheriff

“As Governor, Brian Moran will do more than talk about issues. He’ll get results. You know how I know that? Because he always has. As a former prosecutor, He’s going to fight to keep our communities safe and secure.”
- Randy Sengel, Commonwealth’s Attorney

“For 20 years the people of Northern Virginia have benefited from his service. Now it’s time for all of Virginia to see what he can get done. I know Brian – and have known him for a long time. With him at the helm in Richmond, we can a see a brighter future ahead.”
- Ed Semonian, Clerk of the Court

“When it comes to advocating for progressive solutions to the problems we face, Brian Moran is the leader of the pack. He has proposed the boldest energy plan and opposes the new coal plant. He’s standing strong to make sure the minimum wage goes up and fighting to invest in people. That’s what we need from our next Governor.”
-David Englin, Delegate

“I’ve seen Government from both the local and state perspective, and so has Brian. He really understands what’s going on in Virginia and what people are going through from Abingdon to Alexandria. I know he’ll fight for every region, and he’ll get results.”
- Patsy Ticer, Senator

“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.”
- Justin Wilson, City Councilman

“Brian Moran has always been a leader in the fight against discrimination, even when it wasn’t popular. He was the only candidate to fight against writing discrimination into our constitution. I was proud to stand with him in the General Assembly, to campaign with him against the Marshall-Newman Amendment, and I will stand behind his campaign for Governor.”
- Adam Ebbin, Delegate

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

ALEXANDRIA – Brian Moran made the following statement on today’s second anniversary of the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007.

“Everyone remembers the horror that shattered so many lives in Blacksburg. But we recall, with equal strength, the hope, resilience and spirit which brought the Virginia Tech community together. Over two years, many wounds have healed, yet we all still grieve for the tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the Virginia Tech community today.”

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

ALEXANDRIA – Black Women for Obama for Change (BWFO4Change) proudly endorsed Brian Moran for Governor today. The group is a virtual national network of African American women who dedicated themselves to electing President Barack Obama. The group cited Moran’s strong support for President Obama and his commitment to the new kind of politics that’s focused on people. They highlighted his proven record of fighting for minority communities and championing women’s issues.

“We must continue the progress we made in 2008 by electing people that share President Obama’s values in 2009,” said Stephanie Myers, co-founder of BWFO4Change. “Brian Moran has a 20 year record as a champion of issues important to our minority community, to the women of Virginia, and to people who believe in what President Obama stands for. We are proud to stand with him and encourage voters in Virginia to support him.”

Black Women for Obama for Change was established during the Presidential primaries of 2008 by businesswomen and civic activists Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq., and Stephanie E. Myers.

Dr. Mary Christian, former Member of the Virginia General Assembly, Hampton, Virginia comments, “I had the honor of being the first African American elected to the Virginia General Assembly from Hampton in over 100 years, and I know what it means to stand up for our community. Brian has been in the trenches fighting for Virginia for over 20 years, and he knows the issues and needs of citizens in the Commonwealth. He made a commitment to these issues long before running for Governor. As someone who served side-by-side with Brian for more than a decade, I can tell you, personally, that he has always been there and will always be there for us. Therefore, I am pleased to support Brian Moran for Governor of Virginia.”

Mr. Moran was instrumental in the election of BWFO4Change Networker Delegate Charniele Herring, who was elected to represent Alexandria, Virginia, in a recent Northern Virginia Special Election. Delegate Charniele Herring comments, "I am confident that Brian Moran will serve the Commonwealth well as our next Governor. He has extensive experience serving our great state from being a prosecutor in Arlington County to serving as a Delegate in the General Assembly. He clearly lives by the principle of service above self. He has the experience, passion, and drive to do what is right for the future of Virginia's families and businesses"

Virginia Everett, BWFO4Change of Alexandria, Virginia adds, “I can only add the more recent issues Brian champions such as investing in renewable energy and creating green jobs. I strongly feel he will be an advocate for protecting our natural resources and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. Since these issues are on the President's agenda as well, I feel confident endorsing Brian Moran for Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.”

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~ Government Fights for People, Not Against People~

ALEXANDRIA – Brian Moran, Democratic candidate for Governor, signed the www.StandUpforVA.com petition urging the General Assembly to return to Richmond to approve the $125 million in unemployment benefits for workers in these difficult financial times. Nearly 300,000 Virginians are out of work.

“Families are struggling today like they haven’t in a generation. Unemployment in our hardest hit communities is over 20%, rivaling the 25% unemployment of the great depression. It’s unconscionable that the House of Delegates would continue obstructing relief. I’ve joined Virginians from across the Commonwealth in adding my support for calling on them to return to Richmond and fix this mistake. People need a government that fights for them, not against them.”

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting to the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

# # #

~ Invests in Research & Development, Focuses on Bio Tech and Green Tech~

~Will Make Virginia a National Leader~

ALEXANDRIA – To position Virginia as a leader in the global innovation economy, Brian Moran announced his Innovation Agenda to incentivize research and development, focusing on expanding biotechnology, green energy technology and universal broadband. The proposal was announced as part of Moran’s “Economic Recovery Tour” that began mid-March. Moran was joined by former Secretary of Technology Eugene Huang in making the announcement.

Technology jobs are good, high-paying jobs that make up 16 percent of our workforce in Virginia and pay 29 percent of our wages. Moran proposed creating more high-tech jobs because for each new job created, twice the additional economic growth occurs.

“Virginia can be a national leader in research and innovation, growing our economy and creating thousands of new high-tech jobs,” Moran said. “With a focus on the technology sector, we can attract investment and create jobs and position Virginia as a leader in the innovation economy. Virginia has the potential to become a national and international leader in innovation, but we have to get to work.”

Key Elements of Innovate Virginia

• Incentivizing Research and Development. Brian Moran will raise the cap on the angel investor tax credit, create a tax credit for private investment in university research, invest additional seed-stage capital in high-potential Virginia-based technology companies, and increase the Commonwealth Technology Research Fund to $20 million per year.
• Creating a Strategic Plan for University Research and Development to coordinate the efforts of Virginia’s colleges and universities.
• Investing in Biotech Facilities. The Moran administration will authorize the sale of $10 million in revenue bonds to build biotech facilities as part of a 10-year, $100 million commitment to finance construction of a biotechnology laboratory “wet lab” and production facilities. The initial investment will enable Virginia to offer low-cost access to facilities and leverage existing infrastructure to expand Virginia’s biotech capacity.
• Currently, more than 175 biotech, pharmaceutical, equipment and medical device companies are based in Virginia. This accounts for more than $2.5 billion annually to the state’s economy and more than 7,000 jobs.
• Create Energy Technology Parks. Brian Moran will create leadership teams from state and local government, Virginia universities and the private sector to develop Energy Technology Parks that build on Virginia’s existing energy strengths. These parks will provide support for emerging companies and technological innovation by providing an environment where companies can benefit from common infrastructure and reduced cost. He will also create an early-stage investment fund to invest in high-potential Virginia-based technology companies.
• Building Modeling & Simulation Clusters. As governor, Brian Moran will work with the Virginia Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation Center, Old Dominion University, and other stakeholders to create M&S research clusters in areas such as emergency management and game-based learning to grow and expand modeling and simulation in the Hampton Roads region and across Virginia.
• Sharpening the Focus of Virginia’s Broadband Deployment Efforts. Recognizing the key role that affordable, high-speed broadband infrastructure plays in the future competitiveness of the Commonwealth, Brian Moran will work across all levels of government to make sure that Virginia is organized, coordinated and applying the appropriate resources and policies to close the broadband gap.
• Removing Barriers to Broadband. As governor, Brian Moran will work with the Commonwealth’s Broadband Advisory Council to identify and eliminate unnecessary regulations and policies that inhibit or slow private-sector investment such as rights-of-way, tower site regulation, permitting and licensing, and asymmetric regulations.

“By focusing on innovation and the creation of new jobs, Brian’s Innovation Agenda will ensure that Virginia emerges from the current economic downturn as a strong, top global competitor,” said Eugene J. Huang, former Secretary of Technology. “Brian understands the challenges we’re facing, and he is committed to investing in research and development, expanding broadband access, and creating green technology businesses necessary for a bright future.”

Virginia has the natural assets of proximity to the federal government, a top-notch workforce, and great colleges and universities that will enable it to rise to the ranks of a Silicon Valley in California or a Route 128 corridor in Massachusetts.

“Virginia isn’t just competing against Maryland and North Carolina for the technology jobs of the future; it’s competing with China and India as well,” Moran said. “I saw that first hand when we toured the Indian Institute of Technology. We have to invest if we’re going to compete.”

Moran’s economic plan includes an economic stimulus that invests in small business job creation, expanding opportunities for small, women- and minority-owned businesses, and the creation of a watchdog for federal stimulus funding. Early in the campaign, Brian Moran announced his commitment to ensuring that Virginia produce 25 percent of its energy from clean, renewable sources by 2025 through a bold Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). This new standard will strengthen Virginia’s green tech markets and position Virginia as a leader in entrepreneurship to ensure that the green energy technologies of tomorrow are developed and deployed right here in Virginia.

Moran’s Record

Brian Moran has fought to better utilize technology in government by creating Virginia’s Business One Stop web portal, making it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to create businesses in Virginia by integrating permitting and licensing requirements. He also fought for and passed legislation to require state agencies to create telework plans. As recently as 2008, he fought to create an R&D Tax Credit to encourage private investment in research and development in our colleges and universities and increase innovation in Virginia. He has twice received the prestigious “Tech-10” from the Northern Virginia Technology Council.

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

~ Moran Fights for Working Families~

ALEXANDRIA – Barbara Easterling, the first woman ever to serve as secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO, announced her support of Brian Moran for Governor today. Easterling cited Moran’s proven record of fighting hard for the working men and women of Virginia. Moran has proposed an increase in the minimum wage to keep up with rising costs and an economic recovery plan to restart our slumping economy. Easterling also cited recent polling that shows Moran is the strongest general election candidate against Bob McDonnell.

“Brian Moran has made his career fighting for the working men and women of Virginia,” said Easterling. “We know Brian will be with us as Governor because he always has. In these tough times, working families are facing real tough choices and Brian Moran understands what we’re going through. I know he won’t stop fighting until he gets us result and that’s what we need as Governor.”

Prior to the AFL-CIO, Easterling was the first woman to serve as secretary-treasurer of the Communication Workers of America (CWA). She is currently the President of the Alliance for Retired Americans. Easterling has received a broad range of honors and accolades during her union career. She is the recipient of the International Women’s Democracy Center Global Democracy award, the Ellis Island American Legend award and the March of Dimes Salute to Labor award.

“I am honored to have Barbara’s support,” Moran said. “She is a true leader in our labor community, a pioneer for women, and a strong, steady voice for those who need one.”

Easterling is vice chair of the National Alliance to End Homelessness and serves as a Trustee of the National Policy Association (NPA). She also serves on the board of directors of the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs; is a member of the Spina Bifida Foundation and serves on the executive committee of the United Way of America and its board of governors.

Brian Moran has a 20-year record of fighting for the people of Virginia. He was Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate from Alexandria City and Fairfax County. Prior to that, he served as a prosecutor in Arlington County.

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