Terry McAuliffe, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for governor, is in Southside Virginia today, talking about bringing jobs to the economically hard-hit region.
McAuliffe traveled to Danville this morning to roll out the latest component of what he calls a "Business Plan for Virginia." It includes tax incentives to lure big industry as well as assistance for small business.
Danville's jobless rate in 16.8 percent. In nearby Martinsville, unemployment is 18 percent. In Henry County, it's 13 percent.
McAuliffe, a New York-born investor-businessman with close ties to Bill and Hillary Clinton, is proposing a pilot program under which firms that create jobs in ailing areas would get help from the state paying their federal payroll taxes.
Under his plan, if that business hires more workers or increases their wages, the state would pay the additional taxes imposed on the company by Washington.
As for small businesses and start-ups, McAuliffe envisions more so-called incubators. Typically, they are clusters of new firms that operate from the same office, sharing equipment, storage space and some employees, such as receptionists.
McAuliffe, a former national Democratic chairman who lives in McLean, is one of three prospects for his party's gubernatorial nomination. It will be decided in a June 9 primary.
McAuliffe is opposed by state Sen. Creigh Deeds of Bath County and former Del. Brian Moran of Alexandria.
-- Jeff E. Schapiro
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