Moran calls on Democratic rivals to spurn out-of-state contributions

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Brian J. Moran proposed today that his two Democratic opponents pledge to refuse campaign contributions from out-of-state donors.

Moran said the commitment should run through primary day, June 9.

Moran, a former delegate from Alexandria, state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds of Bath County and former national Democratic Party chairman Terry McAuliffe are seeking the nomination to run for governor.

Moran made it clear that the pledge is aimed at McAuliffe, known as a prodigious fundraiser in national Democratic Party circles. McAuliffe is expected to announce his candidacy Wednesday.

The election should not be about "who can raise more money from national donors," Moran said. "Virginia Democrats should choose our nominee."

He cited press reports that McAuliffe said he planned to raise $80 million for the campaign. McAuliffe has denied this.

Mo Elleithee, a spokesman for McAuliffe, said "if and when Terry gets in the race, he will make sure he has the reserves he needs to run a competitive race. The people of Virginia are not talking about fund-raising, they're talking about who can create jobs."

Deeds said "Virginia's working families need a leader fighting to put more cash in their household budget, not a candidate fighting over cash in their campaign budget."

Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or .