Brian Moran is proud to receive endorsements from an impressive group of grassroots leaders all over Virginia. These are many of the people who have made the phone calls, knocked on doors, registered voters, signed up volunteers, organized events and done the hard work to turn Virginia blue and move our Commonwealth forward. Please read through the list to find people you know and scroll down to read statements from many on this list, describing why they support Brian. We hope you will join us in this expression of strong grassroots support and join Brian's campaign to become the next Governor of the great Commonwealth of Virginia.
*written statement below
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Lori Alexander – Mt. Vernon, VA
Frank Anderson – Burke, VA * Matthew Anthes – Alexandria, VA Rafael Arancibia, Jr. – Falls Church, VA Cassie Arnold – Mt. Vernon, VA Julie Becker – Virginia Beach, VA Diana Bedoya – Alexandria, VA Pixie Bell – Franconia, VA * Donald Bennett – Alexandria, VA * Jeff Bennett – Newport News, VA Krista Bernt – Newport News, VA John Biechman – Alexandria, VA Nelfred Tilly Blanding – Springfield, VA Glenda Booth – Mt. Vernon, VA Victor Bremenkamp – Mt. Vernon, VA Steve Bunn – Kingstowne, VA * Jordan Butler – Radford, VA Kristin Cabral – McLean, VA Barbara Caputo – Herndon, VA Isis Castro – Mt. Vernon, VA John Chapman – Alexandria, VA John Cherry – McLean, VA Cristina Chiappe – Falls Church, VA Priscilla Chism – Mt. Vernon, VA Rose Chu – Falls Church, VA Lynn Clark – Mt. Vernon, VA Darrell Coffey – Richmond, VA Maggie Cohen – Franconia, VA Johnnie Collins – Mt. Vernon, VA Charley Conrad – Arlington, VA * Ralph Cooper – Springfield, VA Edward Cousins – Alexandria, VA Brooks Cressman – Herndon, VA Ben Cuker – Hampton, VA * Derin Dacey – Richmond, VA Darlene Dalbec – Franconia, VA Robert Davis – Franconia, VA Carlos Del Toro – Stafford, VA Tamara Derenak – Alexandria, VA Mary Detweiler – Arlington, VA Brian Devine – Arlington, VA Rashad Drakeford – Hampton, Va Dawn Drennen – Mt. Vernon, VA Tom Ellis – Hampton, VA Ronald England – Lorton, VA Shayna Englin – Alexandria, VA Wasim Entabi – Alexandria, VA * Carson Evans – Franconia, VA * Martin Fadden – Mt. Vernon, VA Rena Fagel – Reston, VA Aimee Fausser – Springfield, VA Carolina Ferrerosa – McLean, VA Esther Ferrington – Kingstowne, VA Ruth Fischer – City of Fairfax VA * Susan Fisher – Charlottesville, VA Peter Fox-Penner – Falls Church, VA Carol Freeman – Alexandria, VA Peter Freeman – Alexandria, VA John Alex Golden – Arlington, VA Patrice Gotsch – Alexandria, VA Donald Graul – Mt. Vernon, VA Liz Griffith – Burke, VA John Harris – Mt. Vernon, VA Deborah Harrison – Mt. Vernon, VA Fabrizia Hawes – Franconia, VA Jan Hedetniemi – Annandale, VA Mark Heinitz – Springfield, VA Alana Hommel – Arlington, VA Margo Horner – Arlington, VA Tania Hossain – Falls Church, VA Shirine Hossaini – Richmond, VA John Hughes – Alexandria, VA Patricia Hynes – Reston, VA Sarah Johns – Falls Church, VA Althea Johnston – Falls Church, VA Ed Joseph – Franconia, VA Barbara Kanninen – Arlington, VA Erica Karolewski – Mt. Vernon, VA Dana Kauffman – Fairfax, VA Gladys Keating – Franconia, VA Sally Kiefer – Mt. Vernon, VA Alessia Kirkland – Franconia, VA Drew Kleibrink – Falls Church, VA Paul Krizek – Mt. Vernon, VA Ron Lafond – Alexandria, VA Peter LaMarca – Fredericksburg, VA Frank Leone – Arlington, VA * Eileen Levandoski – Virginia Beach, VA * |
Sarah Lowdon – Fredericksburg, VA
Rose Lowry – Alexandria, VA Keith Lutman – Franconia, VA Kip Malinosky – Arlington, VA * Clarence Martin – Mt. Vernon, VA Al McAloon – Springfield, VA James McBride – Arlington, VA Joel McDonald – Virginia Beach, VA Fred Mittelman – Arlington, VA Judy Moats – Annandale, VA Ann Moore – Hampton, VA Nate Morris – Newport News, VA Alfred Moseke – Lorton, VA Dolores Moseke – Lorton, VA Gail Multop – Mt. Vernon, VA Bridget Murphy – Reston, VA Liz Murphy – Springfield, VA Brian Murray – Franconia, VA * William Nagle – Mt. Vernon, VA Nora Susan Nelson – Arlington, VA Holly Newry – Kingstowne, VA Kenton Ngo – Springfield, VA Loretta Nowakowsky – Springfield, VA Tom O'Brien – Arlington, VA Mike O'Toole – Fairfax, VA Mary Paden – Mt. Vernon, VA Vivian Paige – Norfolk, VA Ginny Peters – Mount Vernon, VA Rob Peters – Mount Vernon, VA Michaela Pickus – McLean, VA Jhana Porter – Stafford, VA Bettye Potts – Norfolk, VA Talitha Powell – Lorton, VA Jack Powers – Alexandria, VA Robert Powers – Mt. Vernon, VA Richard Pullen – Fredericksburg, VA Brian Rapp – Harrisonburg, Va Bree Raum – Arlington, VA Catherine Read – City of Fairfax, VA * Edward Reed – Hampton, VA Robena Reid – Lorton, VA Doug Reimel – Mount Vernon, VA Eugene Resnick – Charlottesville, VA Rachel Rifkind – Annandale, VA Hugh Robertson – Franconia, VA Kathy Robertson – Franconia, VA Scott Robinson – Franconia, VA John Rosenthall – Alexandria, VA Debra Roth – Falls Church, VA * Nancy Schick – Lorton, VA Maureen Schreiner – Alexandria, VA Ray Schreiner – Alexandria, VA Hugh Schwartz – Mt. Vernon, VA Saba Shami – Richmond, VA Fred Shwaery – Springfield, VA * Paul Siegel – Mt. Vernon, VA Terron Sims – Arlington, VA Scott Sklar – Arlington, VA Barbara Slinker – Alexandria, VA Reginald Smith – Mt. Vernon, VA Robert Smith – Mt. Vernon, VA Herb Smith – Fairfax, VA * Lauren Smith – Alexandria, VA Dan Smolen – Stafford, VA Todd Smyth – Franconia, VA * Dewita Soeharjono – McLean, VA Laura Sonnenmark – Mount Vernon, VA Catherine Spears – Springfield, VA Lilyan Spero – Fairfax, VA Karen Stallings – Mt. Vernon, VA Ron Stevens – Kingstowne, VA Judy Stevens – Kingstowne, VA Florence Upson – Arlington, VA * G. Scott Walker – Fredericksburg, VA Linda Waller – Franconia, VA Carla Ward – Arlington, VA Susie Warner – Franconia, VA Melissa Webb – Fredericksburg, VA Robbie Werth – Springfield, VA Chrisi West – Kingstowne, VA * Harry Wiggins – Prince William, VA Arlene Williams – Arlington, VA John Williams – Arlington, VA Kevin Wolf – Arlington, VA Amanda Wolfe – Falls Church, VA Max Wolfson – Fairfax, VA Michael Zimmer – Alexandria, VA |
I started getting involved in Virginia politics in 2005, campaigning for Tim Kaine. I know that's fairly recent compared to many of the veterans around here. I was very involved in the 2006 Webb campaign. Last year I started an Obama table at Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC) which helped register over 600 voters and build a membership of over 200 students.
One week before the 2008 election, I received a personal phone call from Brian Moran to thank me for my work organizing students for Obama at NVCC. He called me again in early January. I told him I was supporting someone else and he asked me what he could do to improve his campaign. My overall impression was that Brian and his supporters are reaching out to Northern Virginians, and to me. Even though I wasn't supporting him at the time, he asked me for advice!
At first I didn't know if a candidate as progressive as Brian Moran could have broad enough appeal across the Commonwealth. But I came to realize that a progressive Governor is what Virginia needs. I also learned that he's been working to support Democrats all over the state as the House Caucus Chair. Then when Brian came out against new coal plants and offshore drilling, I knew he was the candidate for me. That kind of position takes moral courage. It makes me feel the same way I did about supporting Barack Obama in 2007. I have only been more impressed by Brian's unveiling of detailed plans to ensure every child in Virginia and to address the foreclosure crisis.
I hope that everyone who is undecided gets a chance to meet Brian. I find him to be a humble, genuine person who sincerely cares about the issues facing the poor and middle class of Virginia.
I have been active in the Democratic Party of Virginia for over 40 years, and have known every Democratic candidate for Governor since 1967. I got to know Brian when he was an Arlington County Prosecutor and when he became active in the Alexandria Democratic Committee. (He would sit on the back row with a guy named Mark Warner). He always worked hard at whatever he undertook, from the Board of United Way to the halls of the House of Delegates.
I know the successes Brian has had in the General Assembly, helping women and children, raising penalties on drunk drivers, providing the tools for law enforcement agents to track online child sexual predators, and working to expand health care to over 95% of eligible children. Brian has traveled across the state recruiting good candidates to run for office. He showed up in communities Democrats had written off, and would start talking with local community leaders and Democratic Officials. He found strong candidates and would go door to door with them, helped with fund raising, or whatever he was asked to do.
Brian is a tremendous fighter for Virginia Democrats, and because of him we have gone from the lowest point in VA history in the House of Delegates to within striking distance of a majority. He didn't do it with big money – he did it with time, hard work and sweat! Brian is a very progressive leader on issues such as equality, civil rights, expanding health care and investing in mass transit. He has the vision and values I support. Brian Moran is the person Virginians need as their Governor!
I've lived in the greater Baltimore-Washington Metro area since 1991, but only moved to Alexandria in 2006. I knew of Congressman Jim Moran – and growing up as a labor democrat in NYC, was happy to learn Brian Moran was my delegate in the Virginia House. I met Brian for the first time at a reception prior to the 2008 JJ dinner. The room was filled with thousands of people, but learning he was my delegate and a neighbor, Brian Moran spent almost 10 minutes talking with me about my concerns as if I was the only person in the room. As I've come to learn, this is the real Brian Moran.
As leader of the minority caucus, Brian traveled throughout Virginia supporting Democratic candidates for Delegate – today the House is almost under Democratic control. Along the way, Brian helped elect Mark Warner and Tim Kaine Governor, Jim Webb and Mark Warner Senator and Barack Obama President while turning Virginia blue. He is an ardent supporter of environmental policies, a believer in the people and not big money, and Brian stands strong in support of Alisha's law.
In this very critical time for Virginia, we need a Governor who understands and knows the entire state and who has a well thought out and progressive vision for our future. We need a Governor who understands how to build a successful majority in our legislature by working with grass roots support across the entire state. This is why I was so proud to march with Brain in the Washington Birthday parade and why I support him as our next Governor.
I like Brian Moran. I've met a lot of people in politics and a lot of politicians, and it is clear that those qualities common among leaders, that stand out above others, and that characterize Brian are consistency, trust and values.
Brian's grassroots upbringing, his community ties, public service and elected leadership reveal a life of consistency and commitment to Virginia. His family, friends, and colleagues from across the state know what Brian stands for, and has stood for his entire life. We can trust that what he will do will be a continuation of what he has done: as a family man, a member of the community, as a prosecutor and as a legislator demonstrating the values we can all believe in and that he will carry forward as Governor.
No person of conscience enters politics for any reason other than to make the world a better place, and doing so is as much about our children and the future as it is about our present circumstances – this is Brian Moran. The ideas and programs that he proposes are important perspectives into his political philosophy, and tell a story about what will guide him in office. Each day in office a leader must make decisions that we cannot individually participate in, and we trust that they will act on our behalf in our best interest based on their past actions. I know that as Governor, Brian will act in the best interest of all Virginians, continuing in the footsteps of effective leadership like Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Brian Moran has demonstrated his judgment, illustrating his core beliefs, when he stood up for Alisha's Law, supported bold environmental policies and real progressive positions, and helped elect Senator Jim Webb and President Obama. I sincerely trust that Brian will stand on these values for me and for the Commonwealth.
Every age has its trials, and those facing the next Governor of Virginia will certainly demand innovation and creativity buoyed by the solid values that Brian has always exhibited. His vision for Virginia to lead us through these tough times is a direction I want to embrace, and I hope you'll join me in supporting him, and in voting for him as our next Governor of Virginia
I am supporting Brian Moran because he is correct on all the vital issues that face Virginia today. I want Brian Moran to be out next Governor to carry on the good work begun by Mark Warner and continued by Tim Kaine. As the House Democratic Caucus Chair, Brian took a floundering caucus with hardly any voice in the House of Delegate, went in to the republican districts, that the republicans redrew, recruited candidates and got them elected. The Va House of Delegates is now only six seats shy of a majority. Brian's positions on the economy, public safety, education and transportation are consistent with his good progressive values that lookout for all Virginian's. But of all the things Brian has done, the most important to me was his stand against the Marshall Newman Amendment. Brian campaigned all across the state against the amendment, his early leadership against this hurtful and hateful amendment helped other elected officials to come to similar views. I dare say that Brian Moran's early leadership on that issue helped Mark Warner, Jim Webb and Tim Kaine come to the same view. I want to know that the Governor of Virginia is looking out for every single citizen in Virginia. I know that Brian Moran will.
Over the past several years, I have invested an enormous amount of time campaigning for a change in our state and national politics. I always begin by selecting the candidate that can deliver change, from Mark Warner to Tim Kaine, Jim Webb to Barack Obama.
I find myself making another bold choice by backing Brian Moran for Governor. I have known him for a long time, and what distinguishes him is that he sincerely cares about the quality-of-life issues that affect the Commonwealth and the people of the Commonwealth. He has kept crime off the streets, stopped the sale of lead-tainted children's toys, and furthered the most progressive environmental policies I have ever seen in Virginia.
Brian Moran doesn't just care about his own political career. I have watched Brian expend a vast amount of energy in helping Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Jim Webb and Barack Obama get elected. In fact, he even took the time to serve as a personal surrogate to the Arab and Muslim community on behalf of Mark Warner all over the Commonwealth.
Finally, and most importantly, I am convinced that Brian Moran will carry on Mark Warmer's legacy – a "Bipartisan Richmond." Brian not only is the most qualified candidate for Governor; He is the only candidate who can win all over Virginia and turn out the numbers we need in Hampton Roads, Richmond and Northern Virginia to win the general election. In short, Brian Moran is the Governor Virginia needs.
I am endorsing Brian Moran because he is the candidate that has the best track record of supporting Virginian's Individual Liberties. Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds are both qualified, strong and dedicated leaders, but only Brian can say he stood up against the 2006 Virginia Constitutional ban on Gay marriage. In my mind that is enough to distinguish the two candidates and that is why I am supporting Brian Moran.
I have found it difficult to write an endorsement for Brian Moran, not because I don’t support his bid for Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, which I do without reservation, but because I keep coming up against such hackneyed phrases as “man of the people,” fighting for “the common [wo]man” who doesn’t just “talk the talk but walks the walk”—the “genuine article”—the “real deal”—the “what you see is what you get” kind of guy. And it’s too bad really because Brian Moran’s verifiable twenty-year record of public service in various areas of government on behalf of Virginians actually exemplifies the ideas out of which each of these phrases sprang.
I am a 62-year-old neophyte in grassroots Virginia politics, jumping in with the Jim Webb’s primary campaign. But I am not a neophyte when it comes to assessing people based on early impressions—and while not always totally accurate, such impressions over the years have served me well in alerting me to people whose values—hard work, loyalty to family and constituents, empathy with and support of those who cannot advocate for themselves, integrity, and trustworthiness—mesh with mine and whose agenda I can trust.
For all the ways I appreciate Brian Moran’s contributions to bettering the lives of Virginians, I am especially appreciate his devotion to the wise stewardship of Virginia’s resources, be they human (as in public education and public safety) or natural (as in his renewable energy plan and protection of the environment).
In addition, as a member of the House of Delegates, Brian Moran has developed relationships, which along with his experience with the workings of Virginia position him to be a fully functioning governor from day one.
For me endorsing Brian Moran is a “no brainer”!
“All life is action and passion, it is required of a man that he should share the passion and action of his time, the the peril of being not to have lived.” Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Those of us who have watched Brian Moran’s career know that he is a man of action, but over this campaign, we have also recognized his passion. Brian, of course, is a former Arlington County prosecutor, served 12 years in the House of Delegates, and chaired the House Democratic Caucus. He fought for raising the minimum wage, increasing access to health care, making the largest education investment in Virginia history, and protecting our environment for the next generation. He worked hard to push the programs of Governor Warner and Governor Kaine through the General Assembly. Under his leadership, the post-Republican redistricting House went from 34 Democratic seats to 46, a terrific achievement for the Democratic Party.
At the JJ Dinner last month, we saw that Brian is also a man of passion. He engaged Bob McDonnell when Bob was in the House and will take the fight to him this campaign. Brian was there for Governors Warner and Kaine and is committed to continuing sound financial management of the Commonwealth. His website details his initiates for education, jobs, health care, and environmental protection. For example, his bold environmental plan, including emphasis on green jobs, works well with Obama Administration initiatives. Brian is taking his plans to every corner of the Commonwealth, and will be a strong fighter for the values and programs of Virginia Democrats.
Democrats are lucky to have three good candidates for Governor. Terry McAuliffe is an exuberant candidate who was an excellent DNC Chair. Creigh Deeds is a good guy and good legislator. But the questions are who is the strongest Democratic candidate and who would be the best Governor. And the answer to both questions is Brian Moran.
Brian Moran understands what it takes to do right by the environment, and he doesn’t cave to special interests that falsely pit the environment against the economy as his opponents have. His unadulterated opposition to the Surry coal plant near Williamsburg and to drilling off our beautiful clean Virginia coasts not only protects our environment, but it protects the health and economic welfare of our Hampton Roads community. Moran's record on the environment while in the House of Delegates earned him a perfect score from the bi-partisan League of Conservation Voters in 2008. Like President Obama, he knows that the economic health of Virginia and the Nation depends on a new "green" way of doing business. For renewable energy to find its home in Virginia, we need a forward thinking Governor who thoroughly understands that we can't solve 21st century problems with 19th century fossil fuels. Brian Moran's "Green Virginia" program will bring good jobs to the Old Dominion while protecting our environment.
I am a Civics educator and grassroots, Democratic activist. I first met Brian Moran at Virginia Young Democrats meeting in Richmond where he stressed the 21/51 strategy to reclaim the General Assembly for the Democratic Party. Brian detailed the challenges of trying to fight radical Republicans in the House of Delegates, a group that would much rather target immigrants and homosexuals than invest in education or transportation. Brian was incredibly focused on winning the 11 seats needed to reclaim the majority in the house, but he would never sacrifice equality for expediency. Therefore, he not only opposed the marriage amendment, but also actively campaigned against it all over Virginia.
Throughout 2007 and 2008, Barack Obama taught us what a real grassroots campaign looks like and the tremendous results that it can achieve. Brian Moran is committed to building on what Obama has started. It would be a terrible shame to slip back into the old patterns of allowing wealthy donors to dominate the process to the exclusion of ordinary citizens. We need to move forward with continuing to engage the citizenry in concrete commitments and promoting the common good. Brian is dedicated to involving the citizenry as both a means of campaigning and an end of governing. I saw a wonderful example of this at an event in Arlington where 65 people had a great discussion about transportation, energy, and the environment.
Finally, Brian Moran has by far the most progressive and comprehensive vision for Virginia. This includes aggressively tackling the economic crisis before us by encouraging economic growth and job creation. Brian recognizes the interrelated nature of the challenges facing us on the economy, energy, environment and education. Therefore, Brian has taken the boldest progressive positions by including a 25 percent renewable energy mandate by 2025 and the creation of 35,000 green jobs. On health care, Brian has just released a plan that focuses on prevention and bans trans fats in school cafeterias. On education, Brian is committed to expanding pre-K, raising teacher salaries to the national average and making college more affordable. Now is the time to elect a progressive Governor of Virginia who knows the power of the grassroots.
I had the privilege of getting to know Brian when I was a law clerk in his law firm three years ago. During those summer months, despite the many demands on his time including his responsibilities as a Delegate and Democratic Caucus Chair, as a small business owner, and as a father, Brian still found the time to teach me about being a good lawyer. How to be a strong advocate for my clients, and an honest participant in our judicial system. He patiently answered my questions, even sought my perspective, and shared with me the real reverence he has for the rule of law and our democratic institutions.
The way a politician acts away from the cameras and the lights tells you a lot about who they really are. And, when no one else was looking and he had nothing really to gain, Brian Moran proved to me that he is exactly the kind of level-headed, compassionate, dedicated, and intelligent leader that Virginia needs right now.
To be a Virginian either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from Above…......Anonymous
Brian Moran is a Virginian by adoption. He adopted the Commonwealth as his home state when he moved here and chose a career in public service over private enterprise. He was adopted by Virginia as a native son during his very first campaign for the House of Delegates when his district voted him in with a resounding "yes!" In the 20 years that Brian has served the interests of the Commonwealth and her citizens, a relationship has been cemented that is based on trust. We trusted him to do the job, and he went out there and did it. Now he is seeking to take his commitment to us to the next logical level as Governor of Virginia. He is looking to us to deliver a resounding "yes!" on June 9th that will make him the Democratic nominee and send him on his way to a victory in November. I respect what he has done for Virginia and I will work to make sure he has the opportunity to lead us for the next four years as Governor.
There are few political figures who have stirred me so thoroughly that I am moved to do cold phone calls, neighborhood canvassing, and other campaign work on a beautiful Saturday, Sunday, and after a work day, and otherwise give, to contribute to get them elected. Brian Moran is one of those people. The Commonwealth of Virginia must elect Brian Moran to be its next Governor. Virginia, at last, turned blue with the monumental election of Barack Obama—and Virginia, as part of the United States, is changing for the better, reclaiming its ideals, and moving forward. But, there is so much to do and this state is misbehaving. So many here are so fearful that they buck us backwards and sport hateful ways. At a time when the world economy has faltered, many in this state don't want to do anything that will help others whether it be strategic job growth in a manner that benefits the environment and eases traffic, equal health care for all, or services and education that grow our citizens. Brian Moran, however, knows how to bring people together and move us forward. His record of accomplishments for those he serves is long. He is a tireless fighter, intelligent, educated, and has been in the trenches with those he represents. He never gives up.
I am always impressed and touched by Brian because he looks you in the eye when you ask him a question or tell him something and you can tell he gives you his all with any response, no matter how much he has on his plate that moment. Few with such tasks know how to focus in and still treat every individual with respect. And the support, knowledge, and caring of his wife, Karyn, is often a big part of the picture that any and every citizen gets to see and feel. Brian has the experience needed to govern this state and Brian has the dedication to never let us down and never let go. When I promoted and debated people as part of the campaign to elect Barack Obama, sometimes the bottom line was the connection you make with another human being: Whom do you like, whom do you believe has the ethics to stand with you, whom can you support the way you would want someone to stand up for you? Brian Moran has proven himself to be a person of tired-and-true ethics, a man with great sensitivity, and the person I am committed strongly to seeing become the next Governor of our wonderful state.
Debra Roth, communications & marketing consultant, Democratic activist, Falls Church City, VA
Brian Moran has all of the credentials to be our next governor. You’ve read about his experience as a legislative leader, delegate, prosecutor, attorney, and so on. These are experiences that take time to achieve. They are very valuable in forming the structure for solid decision making. To me, what makes Brian an outstanding candidate are the experiences decades ago.
Brian gave up his football scholarship to be the one (of the Moran children) who moved home to care for his ailing father. It took a real giver to change his plans and dreams to do what he knew was right. It took a real fighter to make the circumstances work. He got a job and continued with his education.
Brian knew, from a young age, that one does the right thing. One steps up and makes the best things happen with the circumstances he was given. This is what a compassionate leader does. This is the type of leader I want making decisions that will affect me and my family.
My grandfather came to me after the Iowa Caucus last year, and told me how in his day he registered voters in South Carolina and Florida, and was jailed and threatened with death and he dared me to do better. He taught me the most important thing we can do as Americans is to serve our country by helping make sure everyone can participate in the American dream.
Over the last six months my spirit has been renewed and I have seen some of the best of what America has to offer. America has always been the land of dreams and opportunity’s. A land where people can make the impossible journey and live the impossible dream. My impossible journey started more than a year ago when I attended a Barrack Obama watch party. This event was a monumental point in my life that changed me forever. I arrived at this party with prejudices and doubts about what America was and what America could be. For the first time I saw a different America that my grandfather had talked about and that Barrack Obama was holding up for everyone to see. An America of struggle, sacrifice and service to others. An America guided by a power larger than ourselves and bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions. An America that so many have fought and died for. I saw people of different races, genders, and nationalities celebrating a common theme. This is the America I want to be a part of and really brought me to change the direction of my life.
I realized at that moment I want to serve my country. Not just for the youth of today, but for the generations to come. I have been a Special Education Teacher for the last five years, and have seen the effect of kids born addicted to drugs and the problems they have with their academic development. I have seen kids who have no parental supervision, kids who can barely read, and kids who struggle with English, falling further and further behind. These are some of the problems I hope to remedy one day.
Brian Moran is a candidate who for his entire professional life has fought for the people of Virginia. He wants to raise teacher salaries to at least the national average by the end of his first term and to ensure full-day kindergarten in Virginia to help all our children succeed. Brian is the only candidate for Governor leading the fight to stop the mega coal plant in Surry, stop offshore drilling, and really fight for a 25% renewable energy mandate. He is also the only candidate calling for the decoupling of electricity profits from consumption which would encourage large scale energy efficiency programs. Brian understands that we must make bold moves now to create enough new jobs to fix our economy, clean our environment and break our addiction to fossil fuels. These are the goals Brian is fighting for and issues I feel passionate about.
Working on the Barrack Obama Campaign, I realized what I want in a candidate. Someone who has the experience working on difficult problems in Virginia, to get us through tough times. Brian is a candidate who has risen through the political ranks fighting for the people of Virginia every step of the way. He is a man that embodies everything that I fought so hard for this past year and that I will continue fighting for in the future. My grandfather dared me to do better that day after the Iowa Primary, and I think I am by supporting Brian Moran to become the next Governor of Virginia.
I met Brian Moran during the Jim Webb campaign for US Senate in 2006. I traveled all over Virginia during that campaign delivering Jim Webb campaign gear to people who were setting up tables at fairs, festivals and other events. From the 4th of July Fair in Alexandria, to the Old Fiddler's Convention in Galax and the Unity rally in Charlottesville, I saw Brian almost every where I went. Not just shaking hands and meeting people, he was working with the grassroots to help get Jim Webb elected. In fact, I saw Brian Moran at more events than I saw Jim Webb during that campaign.
Brian has spent his entire professional life fighting for the people of Virginia. First as a prosecutor in Arlington and later in the Virginia Assembly. Brian's long record of service and strong ties all over Virginia, are why he is gaining by far the most endorsements across the Commonwealth.
As Minority Caucus Chairman, Brian's job was to expand the Democratic map in Virginia by recruiting House of Delegate candidates in key areas like Virginia Beach and he's been very successful. We’ve gone from 33 members when he became chair to 45 now, within striking distance of the majority. Brian will be a highly effective Governor because he has strong relationships with many members of the Virginia Assembly, which will be crucial in passing legislation that continues to move Virginia forward.
Brian has 12 years of experience getting Democrats elected all over Virginia and has been a large part of the progress we've made turning Virginia Blue. This makes Brian the only candidate who knows how to win all over Virginia and turn out the numbers we need in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia to win the Governor's race next November. For these and many other reasons, Brian Moran is clearly the best candidate to carry on the Warner/Kaine legacy and blaze a new trail of strong, progressive Democratic leadership.
Brian Moran is the best candidate who will make the best Governor. Brian has the best combination of experience, commitment to public service, and progressive plans for Virginia. The impressive list of awards and honors he has received speak to his amazing record of leadership and work on behalf of all Virginians. In addition, he is the Democratic candidate with the best chance to win in November, according to the polls.
Brian has the experience and commitment to address the areas most important to me: fiscal responsibility, military and veterans, law and order, and national security. On fiscal responsibility, Brian has worked with Governors Warner and Kaine on making tough budgetary decisions, including the 2004 budget resolution that allowed Virginia to invest in critical areas like education while maintaining fiscal responsibility. As Governor, Brian will invest our tax dollars wisely, eliminate wasteful spending, and ensure Virginia maintains its AAA bond rating.
Brian will support our many military and veteran residents, including the stopping of foreclosures on the homes of our military personnel while they are serving overseas. Brian's years as a prosecutor and delegate show his strong commitment to enacting and enforcing the laws needed to keep Virginians safe. Brian was appointed by Governor Warner to the Secure Virginia Panel charged with addressing Virginia's homeland security, and he will continue to give security concerns the importance they deserve.
I gave two years of my life to Barack Obama because he was the candidate that I thought stood up for the average American citizen; aiding the people who most need our help while also reaching out to those who are most able to offer it.
That type of compassion and pragmatic thinking is also what drew me to Brian Moran as a candidate for Governor. As a state legislator Brian has shown his empathy for the children and families of Virginia through his passionate support of Alicia's Law, as well as his work helping some of my own friends and neighbors right in their own communities, working on the everyday issues that tend to get swept under the rug of partisan politics.
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