Democratic candidates for governor pick up the pace

Emphasizing jobs, Terry McAuliffe is extending his TV advertising to pricey Northern Virginia in the run-up to the Democratic gubernatorial primary.

R. Creigh Deeds is retooling his advertising, weaving into a fresh spot on less costly downstate stations an editorial endorsement by The Washington Post that says the Bath County senator has the best chance of defeating Republican Bob McDonnell.

Brian J. Moran, whose only commercial so far has been an attack on McAuliffe, today begins a tour from rural Southside to the outer suburbs of Washington.

With 10 days until the primary, McAuliffe, a former Democratic National chairman from McLean who leads in fundraising, is elevating the stakes with a sustained, paid presence on Washington-area television.

Except for a brief burst of advertising by Moran about 10 days ago, the candidates -- because of the expense -- have avoided running commercials aimed at Northern Virginia voters.

Instead, they have dueled in the region through direct mail.

The latest McAuliffe spot is similar to one that has appeared in such markets as Richmond and Norfolk. It ties economic security to improvements in education, energy and transportation.

Deeds' new ad -- it's his third -- depicts him as the strongest candidate on public education. It notes that among the gubernatorial prospects, he received the highest rating from the Virginia Education Association, a traditionally Democratic teachers union.

The commercial is running in Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke and Bristol.

Moran, a former Alexandria delegate, begins his swing in Appomattox before stops in Charlottesville, Fishersville, Harrisonburg and Dale City in Prince William County.

In what his campaign is calling the "Fighting-for-Virginia Tour," Moran is expected to talk up economic development and gay rights, as well as protections for the disabled.

Contact Jeff E. Schapiro at (804) 649-6814 or .