R. Creigh Deeds' handlers say the Democratic prospect for governor can overtake Republican frontrunner Bob McDonnell by harnessing the vote that tipped Virginia to President Barack Obama.
"If we can't get them out on Election Day, it's game over," campaign manager Joe Abbey said in a conference call yesterday with reporters.
Democrats are boasting that a vigorous get-out-the-vote operation could save Deeds on Nov. 3.
The task took on new urgency for Deeds last night. The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk released a poll conducted by Christopher Newport University in which McDonnell led 45 percent to 31 percent with 22 percent undecided. The survey of 506 likely voters, taken Oct. 8-13, had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.
Abbey said the Deeds organization would focus on the more than 500,000 voters who supplied Obama with his margin in Virginia.
Meanwhile, The Associated Press reported that a Republican activist and lawyer wants state election officials to fine Deeds for alleged improper contributions from labor unions -- a key source of Deeds' cash and voter-mobilization.
Gary Byler, 2nd District Republican chairman, is arguing to the State Board of Elections that Deeds has received millions of dollars from labor organizations that have failed to properly register with Virginia or disclose their donors.
The Deeds campaign said it is in full compliance with election law.
During the conference call, Deeds strategist Mo Elleithee took a swing at McDonnell's transportation plan.
Deeds is leaving open the possibility of higher taxes for transportation but insists that they must be a product of a consensus by the political and business communities.
Said McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin: "Seems like a really long phone call to convey only one fact: Creigh will raise taxes on Virginians if he gets elected."
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, through his personal political-action committee, said in an e-mail to supporters Deeds shouldn't be counted out.
"Throughout his career, Creigh Deeds has often been underestimated, but he's never been outworked -- and that isn't going to change now," Kaine said.
Contact Jeff E. Schapiro at (804) 649-6814 or jschapiro@timesdispatch.com.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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