B. Clinton stumps for Deeds in N.Va.

McLEAN -- With Democrats trailing late in Virginia's contest for governor, former President Bill Clinton lent his star power to R. Creigh Deeds yesterday during a lunchtime rally for the party faithful.

"Never underestimate this man," Clinton said of Deeds, who soundly defeated a Clinton friend, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, in a June 9 primary.

"The thing that matters . . . is what you do in the next two weeks -- whether you're prepared to step into the breach," Clinton told more than 300 campaign volunteers, staff members and state lawmakers packed into the fourth-floor headquarters of the coordinated Democratic campaign.

"There's no question that Creigh Deeds has the best jobs plan, best energy plan, best education plan, and the best record," Clinton said.

Deeds, a state senator from rural Bath County, trails Republican Bob McDonnell, a former state attorney general, in polls two weeks before Election Day. Democrats also trail in the contests for attorney general and lieutenant governor.

Experts say that to win, Deeds needs to turn out traditional Democrats and energize the 500,000 or so "Obama surge" voters who cast ballots in last year's presidential election.

Clinton's appearance was his first on behalf of Deeds. Last year, he campaigned in Virginia for his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, during the presidential primaries, and to boost Obama's general-election bid.

Former Vice President Al Gore attended a fundraiser for Deeds last week. On Tuesday, Obama will return to the campaign trail in Virginia, signaling a ramped-up national party engagement in the race.

In recent days, the Democratic National Committee, whose chairman is Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, has committed additional money and staff to Deeds' cause.

Deeds appeared yesterday to be heeding the advice of prominent Democrats, including Kaine, who said he needs to tell voters why they should cast ballots for him rather than why they should not vote for McDonnell.

"We've got to restore confidence in the economy by creating jobs," Deeds said, avoiding any direct attacks on his rival.

McAuliffe appeared with Clinton at the rally, held in the office space formerly occupied by his campaign.

"Let me say personally it's great to be back in my old headquarters," McAuliffe said. "Not the way I thought I'd be back," he quipped.

McAuliffe, who displayed more enthusiasm than Deeds, Clinton or the down-ticket candidates who spoke before them, said Clinton was the "Babe Ruth" of the economy and predicted an electoral home run for Deeds and the party.

"It's going to be the greatest comeback in the history of American politics," he said.

In Richmond yesterday, Virginia first lady Anne Holton; Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones; state Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, D-Richmond; and Kitty Boitnott, president of the Virginia Education Association, attended an event at the Peter-Paul Development Center to promote Deeds' education plans.

Contact Jim Nolan at (804) 649-6061 or .